Homeowners were encouraged the follow the Government’s lead in transforming containers into housing units.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said that 11 container units are set to arrive in Bermuda and provide housing to people in need early next year.

His comments came as he provided an update about construction in St David’s, where a $3.75 million building project is to deliver 12 “modern units”.

On the container homes, Mr DeSilva said: “There has been a lot of work put into what we can do with regards to supplying affordable homes for our people in a quick way and a huge way.

“We’ll have some good news coming in the next several weeks that I think everyone in Bermuda are going to be very happy to hear.”

Mr DeSilva, who is also the Deputy Premier, said during the update that planning applications had been submitted for all 11 container homes, which will range in size from 475 to 850 sq ft and be placed in the West End.

The Royal Gazette was unable to locate applications for the containers via planning.gov.bm and asked for more information.

A Ministry of Housing and Municipalities spokesman said later: “To clarify, the planning applications for the proposed capsules and expandable container homes have not yet been submitted to the Department of Planning.

“The minister's comments were intended to reflect that the project is progressing and that, although the applications are completed, they have not yet been formally lodged.

“Once the applications are submitted and validated by the Department of Planning, they will be published on planning.gov.bm and available for public review in the usual way.”

Mr DeSilva told MPs this month that the containers would be on either Bermuda Housing Corporation or Bermuda Land Management Corporation sites and comprise “six one-bedroom capsules, one two-bedroom capsule and four expandable container homes offering two and three-bedroom configurations”.

He said yesterday: “With technology today and expertise today, different building methods are being used all over the world.

“I am very confident that the homes we provide the people living in them will be very, very happy.”

When asked if homeowners could bring in some of these containers for their own housing needs, Mr DeSilva said: “I hope they see them, like them and do it — I do hope so.”

He was speaking during a press conference on Battery Road, where a 9,400 sq ft complex is being built for the 12 affordable housing units.

Mr DeSilva said the BHC is behind the project and the property will house “six studio apartments, four two-bedroom units and two uniquely designed one-bedroom units” once construction is complete.

He called it “a substantial investment in St David’s housing infrastructure”.

The site was identified as a place for affordable housing back in 2018.

Four units were unveiled on the property in April 2024 and construction on the additional accommodations should be completed by next August.

Monthly rent for the units will range from $800 to $1,500.

Mr DeSilva said: “Battery Road is one of several projects moving forward under BHC’s expanding pipeline.

“Across the island, these developments are transforming outdated sites, revitalising underused properties and increasing the supply of modern affordable housing for Bermudians.”

BHC, which has more than 300 families on its waiting list, opened 12 new apartments in Paget in July and announced plans to build additional units in St George’s and Middle Town, Pembroke.

Mr DeSilva also discussed offering property owners up to $125,000, repayable over five years, to bring vacant or underused homes back into the rental market.

He said: “It’s been a bit challenging. We’ve had applications from folks that live in rental properties, they may not own them.

“We’ve found family members that live in units and are trying to get it done and need permission, and need family members to agree, so it’s been a process.”

The minister added: “The interest is there, but folks have to remember that if we’re looking at $125,000 per unit, that’s where that limit is. We’re looking to have that increased a bit because we don’t want to turn away anyone that is interested in doing it, to find that they’re not far away from getting the permissions we have with the bank.”

UPDATE: this article has been updated with clarification from the housing ministry, to show that planning applications for the containers homes are not yet submitted to the Department of Planning