Coastal Road Improvement Officially Underway

The Coastal Highway Upgrading Project was formally launched in La Democracia today with attendance from representatives of the governments of Belize and the United Kingdom, as well as the Caribbean Development Bank. When the contract, worth one hundred and thirty million dollars, was awarded to Government’s favourite contractor, Imer Hernandez, it caused the Opposition to demand for full disclosure of the details.  As it stands, the unpaved stretch of road traverses low-lying areas that are virtually impassable during the rainy season.  The project is funded by a loan of thirty-six point six million U.S. dollars from the C.D.B. and a grant of thirty-four million U.S. dollars from the government of the UK, as well as a contribution of eight point six million U.S. dollars from the Government of Belize.

Rene Montero

Rene Montero, Minister of Works

“The Government of Belize secured financing for the Coastal Highway upgrading project through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank and a grant from the United Kingdom government for which a portion will be applied towards this highway’s upgrading project.  On behalf of the government and people of Belize, we are truly thankful for the grant provided by the United Kingdom government.  The upgrading of the fifty-eight kilometers of the Coastal Highway, including the construction and rehabilitation of ten bridges, will significantly improve accessibility to the south of Belize and at the same time it will provide an alternate and shorter route for motorists to link between northern Belize, Belize City and southern Belize and more importantly, it will serve as a bridge between Belize and our neighboring countries of Central America.  Based on the design requirements, the road works and bridges under this project are designed to meet international specifications according to the ASLO design standards in several areas.  The road is also being raised significantly to meet climate resilience.”

Stefan Kossoff

Stefan Kossoff, Head, Department for International Development (DFID) Caribbean

“It is first and foremost about ensuring that climate resilience is at the heart of these investments and that they are properly adopted to the growing threat from natural disasters and from climate change which we know the region is currently grappling with and will face even more strongly in the years to come.  It is also about maximizing the benefits of these people, of these investments for the people of Belize and the wider region.”

Daniel Best

Daniel Best, Director of Projects, C.D.B.

“Belize is in fact, a founding member of the Caribbean Development Bank and this year marks our fiftieth year of operation.  Since its inception, C.D.B. has provided funding resources to Belize that have been targeted at improving agriculture, tourism, water and sanitation, electricity, transportation, housing, health and of course education.  Although we have been active in many sectors, we have been particularly active in supporting road infrastructure improvements in Belize.  Since 1996, when we approved our first capital investment in the sector, we provided approximately, two hundred and twenty-five million dollars in loan and grant financing.”