Substantial damage caused by Hurricane Fabian has led Government to re-evaluate the strength of the traditional Bermuda limestone roof.

Minister of the Environment Neletha Butterfield announced in the House of Assembly on Friday that her department was planning to commission a team of experts to look at ways of keeping the slate on the roof in future.

?The loss of about 500,000 slates during Hurricane Fabian was a cause for concern,? said Ms Butterfield.

?The Department of Environmental Protection is examining the vulnerability of different roof designs in different locations.

?The objective is to commission an overseas institution to carry out computer modelling or wind-tunnel tests to help identify weaknesses and breakpoints in traditional roof construction and to suggest optimum roof designs and pitches.

?The findings could lead to modifications to the Bermuda Building Code and, we hope, a reduction in roof damage in the future.?

Seventy five percent of the Island?s parks have now re-opened after damages sustained by Hurricane Fabian.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield also said that Ferry Point, Spittal Pond and Blue Hole Park were also expected to be opened within the month.

She added that all of the parks in the western end of the Island were also opened.

?Priority was given to the parks that were most heavily used,?? Ms Butterfield said.

?The work of the Parks Department was hampered by substantial damage to its headquarters and maintenance yard.?

She said the Tulo Valley nursery also sustained heavy damage with over thirty percent of the stock lost.

?The problems in the area remain outstanding as priority is being given to public health and safety issues throughout the public parks,? said Ms Butterfield.