Government is taking steps to repair derelict homes throughout the Island to ease the housing crunch, Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent said yesterday.

Mr. DeVent said there are approximately 200 derelict homes ? mostly in the central and western parishes ? to be renovated by the Bermuda Housing Corporation for low-cost homes for people in need.

During a Press tour of BHC properties, Mr. DeVent said Government wants to make use of existing properties before building on new land. He said several of these properties have been slated for development with the BHC.

?We?re going through the list of what is available. There are no guarantees, it may not be economically viable to renovate all of these homes as there are huge costs associated with plumbing and re-wiring. We have, however, come across some who can be put to good use,? said Mr. DeVent.

Other developments on the list are a seven- to eight-storey apartment complex in Hamilton. The Minister was not ready to reveal further details yesterday.

The tour was led by BHC general manager Vance Campbell, which took members of the media through the central and eastern parishes to look at BHC properties including the Bermuda Homes For People site at Southside and the controversial Mary Victoria Road complex.

Projects showcased included plans to extend a three-unit apartment complex to six units on Ewing Street. Other developments in Hamilton included building a separate two-storey 12-unit complex on Ewing Street.

BHC properties are not distinguishable from other homes in the areas despite stereotypes which exist about the ?look? of low-cost housing units. The Minister fielded questions throughout the tour, including queries about portable homes, which he considers to be a viable option for people in need of temporary housing. Projects also included a new development at Battery Road in St. David?s which will transform the former Salvation Army youth shelter to a loft-style apartment complex where residents will have an extended porch and attic storage area. The BHC is still awaiting planning approval to make the building into a two one-bedroom and one two-bedroom units. ?Bermudians are going to have to bite the bullet,? he said. ?It?s the easiest thing to go home, turn a key into your house and call me and complain about putting those people next to me. If you are lucky enough to have a key and a home to go to you are fortunate enough to have the luxury of complaining. I have to house people.?

So what does he consider to be an affordable home? ?I look in the newspaper and I am shocked to see over $1,000 prices for a studio. I am fully aware there are many people out there who are still struggling.?