D.O.E.’s Stop Order on Seaside Construction Still in Effect

Two weeks ago, the Department of Environment issued a stop order to businessman Hiasam Diab who has intention to construct a pizza parlour along Sand Lighter’s Promenade, beside the south end of the Ramada Princess Hotel. The construction was halted after D.O.E. expressed concerns. The stop order addressed one major issue; the disposal of garbage and sewer. Hiasam had explained that there is a plan to sign a contact with Belize Waste Control to take care of the matter, but until that is done; the stop order will not be lifted so the building stands unfinished. News Five asked Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold for an update.

Oscar Arnold

Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor, Belize City

“The update that I have is that he has assured us that he is in the process of doing that and the two items that were cited were items that were not off major significance. He was going to sign a contract with Belize Waste Control to take away the commercial garbage. If it possible out there he will connect to the sewer system to take away any sewage that would be generated from people visiting his establishment. But after thirteen years, then the city takes ownership with the property. These agreements are not anything new. It is to look at the number, yes there would be growth but in that contract it also states that if there are certain things that are not adhered to, the city council or the developer can cancel that lease at anytime even before the contract is up.”

Hipolito Novelo

“But the City Council will pay for the remaining of that thirteen years.”

Oscar Arnold

“We would have to look at the numbers where that is concern. The investment I think is over three hundred thousand that the developer is looking at. We had our evaluation unit along with our planning unit look at the proposal. We had re-work the numbers and update it obviously.”

Haisam’s has hired attorney Ashanti Arthurs Martin to look into the matter.