Eleven container homes scheduled for installation on the island within the next four months are expected to provide immediate relief for people in critical need of housing.

The “modular and expandable” units will be set up at a government-run site and will act as a pilot scheme to assess whether their use could provide a long-term solution.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, provided details of the plan in the House of Assembly today.

He said: “To respond swiftly to urgent housing needs, the ministry has procured 11 modular and expandable container homes, which will be installed on one of the available sites under the ministry’s responsibility, through the Bermuda Housing Corporation or the Bermuda Land Management Corporation.

“The units comprise six one-bedroom capsules, one two-bedroom capsule and four expandable container homes offering two and three-bedroom configurations.

“Installation is scheduled for completion within the next three to four months.

“Once deployed, these units will provide immediate relief to families in the most critical need and serve as a live pilot to assess modular construction as a long-term housing solution.”

Mr DeSilva, who is also the Deputy Premier, added that the scheme was part of the Government’s emergency housing plan 2025-27, which is under development.

He added: “The plan is designed to deliver rapid, cost-effective, high-quality accommodation on available government lands.

“Lessons from this pilot, on cost, comfort and community reception, will guide the future expansion of modular housing across the island.”

Michael Fahy, the shadow housing minister, asked what planning permissions were received for the installation of the 11 modular units.

Mr DeSilva replied: “It’s a work in progress.”

He also confirmed that checks were carried out to ensure that the units could withstand hurricanes.

Mr Fahy asked the minister whether any consideration was given to using empty school buildings to provide immediate shelter for people in need.

Mr DeSilva replied: “We are looking at all options.”

The minister noted that a wider goal of the Government is to increase the supply of affordable homes across the island while modernising and diversifying how they are delivered.

“As of September 2025, the Bermuda Housing Corporation waitlist records 304 applicants, 72 critical, 192 urgent, and 40 regular,” he told MPs.

“Nearly 60 per cent of these are seeking studio and one-bedroom units.

“These are our seniors, single parents and young Bermudians — hard-working people who continue to face housing instability in an increasingly competitive market.”

The House heard that work continued at sites such as Harmony Terrace in Paget, Chelsea Apartments in St George’s, Middle Town in Pembroke, and Battery Road Phase 3 in St David’s.

Mr DeSilva added: “Together, these projects will bring more than 60 new affordable homes online by mid-2026.”

He told the House that priority sites identified for the next phase of a 2026-27 residential building programme include Victoria Row and Albert Row in Sandys, Dr Cann Park Phase 2 in Southampton, 13 Ewing Street in the City of Hamilton and Harbour View Village in St David’s.

“Collectively, these sites are projected to deliver approximately 225 new affordable units, primarily one and two-bedroom homes,” the minister said.

“We are evaluating construction methods, including precast concrete systems and stacked concrete modular designs, to ensure the best balance of cost, speed and sustainability.”

He added that work continued on the Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-35, a plan to close Bermuda’s housing gap.

Mr DeSilva explained: “The strategy defines affordable housing as accommodation that costs no more than 30 per cent of household income, in line with international best practice.

“It will outline the policies, financing tools and partnerships needed to expand supply, upgrade existing units and ensure that every Bermudian has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.

“A consultation draft will be presented to Cabinet in due course.”

• To read Zane DeSilva’s statement in full, see Related Media

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