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Jan 27, 2009

Councillor explains constant changes to roundabouts

Story PictureAnd while the temperature between the mayor and Perriott has reached boiling point, the two roundabouts at opposite ends of St. Thomas Street in Belize City continue to be the topic of controversy since their construction in August of 2008. They were donated by a private sponsor following a visit to New Zealand by Mayor Zenaida Moya who was enthralled with the concept of roundabouts. And since August, they have been frequently modified and no one knows what exactly they will end up to be. But in the meantime, they’re creating major traffic hazards. First the one at the junction of Freetown and St. Thomas was expanded, then speed bumps were added to slow traffic to give the right of way. On Sunday potted plants were added, and the entire asphalt around that particular roundabout is now being dug, which is slowing down traffic in the heavy commute. Earlier today, city councilor responsible for traffic, Dean Samuels, explained what they were doing with the two roundabouts.

Dean Samuels, City Councillor responsible for Traffic
“I must say we’ve been enhancing both on these roundabouts. On both of them you will see this same kind of construction going on. What we did first was a little beautification; we put a circle around it, full it with black dirt to plant flowers, a little beautification in the area. Presently what we are doing—and I know it definitely it becomes a little problem with the motorists, even pedestrians in the said area—but the work I think if it is done quickly, everyone can share in its benefits.”

“What we are doing now in that area where we are digging, we’re gonna plant, we’re gonna put down concrete. Because you see a lot of vehicles come around the roundabout and what tends to happen is a lot of tires tend to dig into the asphalt. You find that you get a lot of potholes immediately around the roundabout. And putting down concrete will definitely solve this problem, one. Two, if you put down the concrete there you will definitely find it will eliminate the problems with potholes and anybody, any accident with people dodging potholes in the area.”

Jose Sanchez
“But the question people want answered is “Why didn’t you put the concrete when you actually built the roundabout? Why the delay?”

Dean Samuels
“Again, this roundabout was not something financed by the council; it was financed privately. And I guess we have to work with the person who is financing it however he can pay to help finance it. Again, it will serve its purpose once it’s complete.”

We spoke to two independent civil engineers who gave their opinion of the roundabouts. The first one indicated that it would have been cheaper to paint traffic signs on the ground and it would allow easy access points for large industrial type vehicles. The second engineer said that he thought the roundabout was a good idea, however the council could have worked a bit harder at educating the public on how to use the roundabout when it comes to giving the right of way.


Viewers please note: This Internet newscast is a verbatim transcript of our evening television newscast. Where speakers use Kriol, we attempt to faithfully reproduce the quotes using a standard spelling system.

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