The supply of housing in Bermuda is being squeezed at both ends of the property scale by guest workers ? making the problem worse for Bermudians seeking their own home.

Housing Minister David Burch said it had long been the case that well-paid guest workers armed with housing allowances were snapping up apartments and homes at the high end of the market.

But in recent times there has been a significant amount of cheaper homes also being taken by foreign workers doing lower paid jobs.

?There are now a greater number of ?unskilled? foreign workers, employed mainly as domestics, labourers and in the hospitality industry that are competing at the lower ?affordable? end of the price range,? said Sen. Burch.

And speaking on housing to the Hamilton Rotary Club, he said it was also the case that some foreign workers, such as those employed in the construction industry are prepared to cram into accommodation.

?In some cases these workers are prepared to live in conditions that most Bermudians would find unacceptable and often live more than one family to a unit.

?Regrettably, Bermudians must compete with foreign workers who will endure three families living in a two-bedroom unit. It is claimed that there are some who sleep in shifts in one dwelling.?

Affordability remains the biggest hurdle for Bermudians seeking housing, said the Minister as he outlined the Government?s plan of attack to address the problem.

He said the first public/private partnership is being developed at Loughlands in Paget and will offer first-time buyers a home within a price range of $450,000 to $500,000 ? well below the Island?s average of $1 million.

A new North Street Emergency housing complex will eventually offer shelter for up to 200 people in need, while a purpose built emergency rooming house for single mums and families is planned for Southside to augment the current facility there.

Sen. Burch also hinted at a imminent announcement regarding the Harbourside Village project which had offered Bermudians the opportunity of a $199,000 home through a lottery until the Bermuda Homes for People organisation collapsed last September.

He said: ?A mixed housing initiative is the modified version of the Harbourside village project ? that after some hurdles will proceed this year. I will refrain from further comment until I have met with the lottery winners early next month to share the details with them first.?

Sen. Burch said education was critical as many in the population lacked the job skills required to command a reasonable wage in the job market and therefore the ability to afford to rent a home.

He called on all Bermuda to play its part in addressing the Island?s housing issues, such as landlords ? the Government included ? bringing properties up to acceptable standards for families to be housed. And he encouraged all those seeking housing to register with the Bermuda Housing Corporation so the Government has an accurate picture of current and future housing needs.