The shipment of the new asphalt plant to the island has hit a roadblock, the Minister of Public Works and Environment said.

Jaché Adams told the House of Assembly on Friday that the plant remained in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States, but is expected to be shipped to the island shortly. “Installation will begin upon arrival,” he added.

Opposition MP Linda Ms Smith said it was originally anticipated that the plant would be operational by the first quarter of this year, questioning the cause of the delay.

Mr Adams said while the Government remained “hopeful” that the plant will become operational this year, he could not provide a precise date.

He added: “Shipping timelines, installation, logistics and commissioning requirements must first be completed.”

Mr Adams said once those processes were finalised, the House would be updated accordingly.

MPs heard that once operational, the plant was expected to produce 100 tonnes of asphalt daily — figures that more than matched present output at the government quarry.

Mr Adams said the plant was expected to “triple that output over time, as efficiencies are realised”.

He added: “The key improvement in the first 12 months will be greater consistency and increased output.

“The existing plant is prone to breakdowns, which disrupts paving schedules.

“The new plant will significantly reduce down time and allow us to accelerate resurfacing in a sustained way.

“This means more reliable paving schedules, faster rehabilitation of major quarters and smoother, more durable roads for the public.”

In July 2024, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the former Minister of Public Works, said the new plant and new equipment were purchased from US manufacturer Astec Industries for $6.2 million. It was expected to be shipped to the island by the end of that year.

Last May, the ministry said component parts for the new asphalt plant were expected to arrive in Bermuda by July.

At the time, a new milling machine, paver and “shuttle buggy” transfer vehicle arrived in Bermuda to complement the plant.

A government spokesman said plans for the new plant were being finalised at the time and construction was expected to begin by September, pending final approval.