An opposition MP has questioned the entire procurement process for modular homes set to be placed at Boaz Island, saying work had commenced at the site despite the project being unapproved.

Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister of Housing and Municipalities, and Home Affairs, said that when questioned by the One Bermuda Alliance in Parliament on the matter, Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, chose to debate the correct name for the Government’s modular homes instead of how those units were acquired.

Mr DeSilva, who said in November that the nine units would “provide immediate relief to families in the most critical need” of housing, maintained that all processes for procuring the units were followed and that details will be shared “at the appropriate stage”.

The Department of Planning has received at least 15 formal objections to the proposal, which was rejected by the Development Applications Board.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Fahy said: “When this plan was first revealed, I made it clear that it made little sense to purchase these units until planning had either approved the scheme or at least given some form of preliminary indications of approval on the proposed development.

“The whole procurement process was queried and little was revealed. Instead, the minister preferred to insist on debating differences between the phrase ‘container homes’ versus ‘expandable container homes’.”

Boaz Island residents were reportedly told on April 1 that all clearing and tree cutting at the site would stop “immediately”, but The Royal Gazette noticed workers and tools at the location one week later.

Mr Fahy added: “Land has been cleared and work commenced on a yet-to-be approved project. This is par for the course with this ministry.”

He noted how the Bermuda Housing Corporation submitted a proposal to change the Bermudiana Beach complex in Warwick from tourist to residential use last month.

He said: “The planning failures at the Bermudiana Beach Resort are a prime example of what happens when there is a cavalier attitude to processes.”

Mr DeSilva said last week that BHC would appeal the DAB’s rejection of the modular housing proposal, which he said “remains active and subject to the full planning process, which includes considering objections, technical assessments and all relevant environmental and safety requirements”.

Mr Fahy believes Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, will “rubber-stamp” the development, but said: “The residents of Boaz Island remain concerned, the standard of the units is still in question and the process followed to purchase the units is still shrouded in mystery.”

Mr DeSilva responded to some comments at the weekend, calling it “misleading” to suggest that planning had rejected the proposal.

He explained: “As with any development of this nature, the application is progressing through Bermuda’s established planning process, which includes technical review, feedback and, where necessary, refinement of proposals. This is a normal and expected part of responsible development, not a failure.”

Mr DeSilva, who is also the Deputy Premier, added: “Modular and prefabricated construction methods are used successfully in many jurisdictions to deliver quality housing more quickly and cost-effectively.

“Given the scale and immediacy of Bermuda’s housing challenges, it would be irresponsible not to explore every viable option to increase supply.”

He said all processes for procuring the modular units were followed and details will be shared “at the appropriate stage, in keeping with public accountability requirements”.

Mr DeSilva added: “It is also important to emphasise that preparatory site work does not equate to bypassing planning approval.

“Early works are often undertaken to ensure that, once approvals are secured, construction can proceed without unnecessary delay. This reflects a commitment to urgency while fully respecting the established process.

“Comparisons to unrelated projects do not accurately reflect the circumstances of this initiative. Each development is assessed on its own merits and the Government remains committed to adhering to all regulatory and planning requirements.”

He said the ministry must balance concerns of residents with “the very real and growing need for housing across Bermuda”.

Mr DeSilva concluded: “We are committed to increasing housing supply and ensuring more Bermudians have access to safe, suitable and affordable homes.

“Mr Fahy had his chance and did nothing in five years. I am [providing], and will provide, homes for our people.”

The Royal Gazette reached out to Boaz Island Community Voices, a residential group concerned about the modular housing proposal, for comment, but did not receive a response by press time.