Minister says shipment is pending but offers no firm production date
Months after a reported shipment delay, Government’s new $5.2 million asphalt plant remains in the United States.
Responding to questions in the House of Assembly today from OBA MP Linda Smith, Public Works and Environment Minister Jache Adams said the plant is currently located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is expected to be shipped to Bermuda “shortly” … but he could not commit to a date for when it will become operational once here.
“While we are hopeful that the plant will be operational at some point this year, I cannot provide a precise production date at this time,” said Minister Adams. “Shipping timelines, installation, logistics and commissioning requirements must first be completed and once those processes are finalised, the House will be updated accordingly.”
It was reported back in November that the shipment of the new asphalt plant had been delayed by approximately three months to allow an independent assessment to be completed regarding the potential relocation of the Government Quarry’s operations. That delay would have placed the expected arrival in the first quarter of this year.
MP Smith, who is also Shadow Minister of Public Works & Environment, further asked what increase in road paving output the Ministry expects once the new plant comes online.
Minister Adams said initial production will mirror current levels, with the capacity to increase output over time.
“Once operational, we intend to begin production at approximately 100 tonnes of asphalt per day, which is roughly what we’re doing currently with the capacity to triple that output over time, as efficiencies are realised.”
“The key improvement in the first 12 months will be greater consistency and increased output. You see, the existing plant is prone to breakdowns which disrupt paving schedules. The new plant will significantly reduce downtime and allow us to accelerate resurfacing in a sustained way. This means more reliable paving schedules, faster rehabilitation of major corridors, and smoother, more durable roads for the public.”
