IDB loan for hurricane shelters approved

While Hurricane Mitch may only be a bad memory for many Belizeans, one year ago, the threat of severe structural damage and possible loss of life was only too real. But even though the storm sidestepped Belize, the Inter-American Development Bank put the wheels in motion for Belize’s largest loan from the IDB so far. Eleven months later, on October twenty-first, the Inter-American Development Bank approved a twenty-one point three million US dollar loan to improve disaster preparedness. In addition to new shelters in each district, the project will also alleviate drainage problems in Belize City. For the main upgrades, the Caribbean Development Bank is joining the effort by providing eight point three million US dollars to build a headquarters for the National Emergency Management Organization in Belmopan. IDB representative Jose Teixeira says their plans will make NEMO capable of handling any disaster.

Jose Teixeira, Inter-American Development Bank

“Communication equipment, computers, all the systems that are very needed in this type of situation and NEMO as the National Emergency Management Organization should be in a position to react immediately and with anticipation in a case of a disaster situation in the country. The component of the project is to strengthen NEMO, make it an organization that will function on a day to day basis and we will be prepared to respond to an emergency situation.”

The actual construction of the building should begin in about six months. The Ministries of Budget Planning, Economic Development, Investment and Trade will direct the strengthening of NEMO. The total cost of the project is thirty-two point two million US dollars. The Government of Belize is assisting with two point six million US dollars. The IDB loan of twenty-one point three million US dollars will be paid over a twenty-five year period at six point eight percent interest rate.