Mr. Speaker,
Private roads across our country are becoming an increasing concern, with many residents facing unsafe conditions, deteriorating infrastructure, and overly complex administrative processes for making much-needed improvements.
Whether it’s repairing potholes, installing street lighting, fixing retaining walls, or paving unsealed roads, the current system can be burdensome, especially for everyday Bermudians.
Mr. Speaker,
As you are aware, there are two key pieces of legislation which govern improvements to private roads:
• The Private Roads (Improvement) Act 1969; and
• The Private Roads (Lighting) Act 1984
While the Road Improvement Act of 1969 does allow the Minister responsible for Public Works to initiate improvements without requiring full upfront payment, it does not currently allow for waiving resident contributions entirely. This means the financial burden often falls on communities, many of which cannot afford it.
But, Mr. Speaker, the challenge isn’t just the cost alone, it’s the red tape as well.
Under current legislation, even when residents are desperate for repairs or safety measures, the requirement for community cost-sharing and consensus can result in deadlock. The bureaucracy is often more frustrating than the condition of the road itself.
As Minister of Public Works and Environment I hear these stories almost every week. Mr. Speaker, we receive a steady stream of calls and emails from people trying to get potholes filled, retaining walls repaired, or mirrors placed at blind corners. But too often, we respond with technical explanations of why, under the current laws, the Government’s hands are tied.
One grandmother recently told us that she no longer walks home from evening church services, not because she fears people, but because the road is so poorly lit that she’s afraid of falling. Despite years of requests, no streetlight has been installed. Why? Because it’s a private road and the neighbours can’t agree.
Mr. Speaker,
This cannot be the standard.
That’s why the 2025 Speech from the Throne announced the Government’s intention to modernise these Acts. Proposed changes include expanding the Minister’s authority to:
• Implement traffic-calming measures
• Install safety mirrors at dangerous bends
• Carry out other critical safety upgrades on private roads in the public interest
But, perhaps, the most important change may be our attempt to simplify the process. We want to streamline the bureaucracy and give the Government more flexibility to step in particularly when safety is on the line.
Mr. Speaker,
It is important to note that we are not seeking to override the voices of residents. But we are seeking to make sure that vital infrastructure improvements don’t get lost in endless paperwork or disputes between neighbours. The updated legislation will aim to balance community input with Government responsiveness, so that when something needs to get done, it can get done.
But before the legislation is drafted Mr. Speaker, we want to hear from the people of Bermuda. And so, I rise this morning to advise this Honourable House that starting Monday, September 22, the Government will launch a public consultation process to gather input on how these Acts should be updated.
Mr. Speaker,
The public can participate in two ways:
• Visit the Government Forum website to share their views.
• Participate in an upcoming phone survey
Mr. Speaker,
This consultation isn’t just about fixing roads, it’s about building a country where safety, fairness, and dignity aren’t limited by your postal code, where every voice matters, and every idea brings us closer to a system that works for all. And so again, I invite the public to join the conversation starting September 22, and let’s work together to build communities that put safety and fairness first.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.