The Opposition last night renewed calls for Government to come clean over the status of the Premier's official residence which sits empty despite receiving a $1.5 million upgrade at taxpayers' expense.

Clifton, in Devonshire, was upgraded under former Premier Alex Scott for his use and for use by future Premiers.

Government put the home on the market for rent once Premier Ewart Brown decided to remain living in his private home in Smith's, after he took office in October 2006.

Last February when former Premier Alex Scott moved out, Government decided to recoup some of its investment and rent out the four-bedroom property which has a dining room, study and office and a separate two-bedroom apartment.

But its vacancy since that time has been criticised by the Opposition United Bermuda Party, which believes the extensive upgrade was a waste of taxpayers money.

The Royal Gazette could not get an update regarding the property from Minister of Works and Engineering, Derrick Burgess, despite repeated attempts over the last few days.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Opposition's spokesperson for Works and Engineering stated: "We are concerned that $1.5 million was spent on Clifton not long after a similar amount was spent to upgrade the Laurels.

"Clifton was promised to be the Premier's residence when Alex Scott was the Premier. He chose not to reside at the Laurels, where former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, was resident, and where extremely expensive upgrades were also effected.

"We heard Minister Burch, then responsible for Works and Engineering, indicate that since the present Premier chose to remain in his own home (which is his right) the Department would look for income by way of rental for Clifton."

She said it was not surprising that Clifton appeared to remain empty adding: "There is very little that the government has promised that has been delivered."

Last year, Civil Service Head Major Kenneth Dill said there had been plenty of interest but no takers since it had been put on the market in July.

And earlier last year figures of $25 to $30,000 a month were being bandied about but Mr. Dill later said the asking price would be set around $15 to $20,000 per month.

"We have had seven viewings but no firm offers," Mr. Dill stated at the time.

"We have noted other properties not as good as Clifton have been rented out ¿ one went for $19,000."

It has been suggested that the vacancy, when calculated from last July until now, at a $20,000 a month rate, equates to a $140,000 loss to the taxpayer.

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin appeared to also take a swipe at Government's commitment to finding housing for Bermudians, some, who are in desperate need of a home.

She added: "What is tragic is the number of people who are looking for roofs over their heads.

"The fact that funds are spent for luxuries for Ministers when so many people lack basic necessities has been endorsed by those who supported the PLP's return to office."