A Bermudian building modular homes questions why Bermudian firms could not bid on Government’s modular housing project
A Bermudian businessman says he offered government a faster, cheaper modular housing solution months ago… but was “overlooked” as Housing Minister Zane DeSilva looked overseas for options.
Chris Wallington, now based in Florida and owner of Harrington Homes of Florida LLC, says his company could have helped ease Bermuda’s housing crisis – and questions why there was no open request for proposals.
WATCH the report above.
Government says it did receive Mr Wallington’s modular housing concepts, but it did not consider the information received as a formal proposal.
A spokesperson said that their priority in selecting a provider was speed, capacity and proven experience.
They did not confirm whether any Request for Proposal was ever issued.
Bermuda Broadcasting’s questions and Government’s response below…
Bermuda Broadcasting questions:
- Did the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities receive a proposal or materials from Mr. Chris Wallington regarding modular housing solutions? If so, what consideration was given to his proposal?
- If the proposal was not pursued, can the Ministry explain why?
- Has the Ministry issued, or does it plan to issue, a Request for Proposals for alternative or modular housing solutions to ensure Bermudian-owned companies have an opportunity to participate?
- What criteria is the Ministry using to evaluate potential modular or alternative housing providers?
- Can the Ministry confirm whether it has selected, or is in the process of selecting, an overseas supplier for modular housing systems?
- If so, which company has been engaged and what is the anticipated cost of these units to the Government and taxpayers?
Response from the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities
“The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities acknowledges receipt of information from Mr. Chris Wallington regarding modular housing concepts. The materials included information on the building system and sample floor plans, along with examples of standalone cottage-style homes. The information did not constitute a formal proposal, nor was a formal presentation made to the Ministry or its technical review committee.”
“As part of the Government’s efforts to address Bermuda’s housing shortage as quickly as possible, a technical working group reviewed a range of construction methods and potential suppliers capable of delivering apartment housing units within the required timelines. Much of the work to advance these initiatives is being led through the Bermuda Land Management Corporation and the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
“This review considered both local construction capacity and modular or alternative building systems from providers with experience delivering projects of comparable scale.
“The Government’s immediate priority has been advancing Phase One housing initiatives to bring units online as quickly as possible. As such, decisions have been guided by factors including delivery timelines, production capacity, proven experience, and the ability to deliver units at the scale and speed required.
“As is standard practice, unsolicited materials received by the Ministry are reviewed as part of broader policy and project considerations.
“The Ministry remains open to reviewing viable housing solutions as planning continues for future phases of development.”
