Lack of Proper Infrastructure Hinders PG’s Development
You just met several of the candidates vying for a seat at Town Hall in Punta Gorda on March sixth. They are all optimistic that their respective slates will be successful on Election Day. Beyond the campaigns, however, are serious concerns being shared by residents of PG and those issues have to do with the deplorable conditions of streets and drains. In the following story, News Five’s Isani Cayetano takes a look the infrastructure crisis that is frustrating Punta Gorda’s socioeconomic progress. Here’s that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The southernmost municipality is often described as forgotten, lost in a world of its own where growth seems to evolve at a much slower pace than in other parts of the country. Infrastructure is a key factor for socioeconomic development, as it provides the physical and digital means for people to access opportunities, goods and services. All of that is quickly changing and residents of Punta Gorda are keenly aware of what it takes for their hometown to advance in those respective areas.
Punta Gorda Resident
Punta Gorda Resident
“When it comes to, like, road infrastructure, I don’t think anybody that lives here or that has come around here will think that they are doing a good job. However, we have seen some work going on. I don’t know how much that is going to accomplish, but until we see much and see how much it has done then we‘re going to be in a good place to render judgment. When it comes to roads, I think they are still lagging behind.”
As municipal leaders, the aim is to leverage social and economic infrastructures to support sustainable growth and development. It is necessary to invest in projects that meet the needs and demands of the citizenry, as well as align with the strategic vision and goals of the town council.
Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez
Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez, P.U.P. Mayoral Candidate, PG
“The crying you’re hearing from a lot of people is infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure. With the present conditions of the streets and roads in town, we need to get to work as of now, not waiting until we get into office. So currently, we are currently working and repairing a lot of streets, major streets.”
For some, the recent roadwork may be long-awaited, given the deplorable state of streets and drains across the town. For others, it remains an extremely difficult situation that hinders the development of Punta Gorda.
Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio
Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio, UDP Mayoral Candidate, PG
“We have a municipality right now [that] is ailing in all aspects, you know, in regards to, when it comes to roadwork, when it comes to the economy, you know.”
Roads and physical infrastructure are critical because they improve the connectivity and integration of different communities in PG.
Punta Gorda Resident
Punta Gorda Resident
“Weh da di improvement ah PG? I noh sih nothing. Dis maanin’ ah ride gone by da bridge, by Joe Taylor deh, di way I sih di foundation, da bridge, dehn got sohn lee, weh dehn wah do deh? Wah lee pass walk… dehn tek down Haulover Bridge and dehn ker it da Cayo. We noh got no two-way bridge, soh why dehn neva bring dat ya? Infrastructure, we have a lot of things here [that are] yet fi get done and we noh di sih no movements yet. Now I need fi send wah message to my government, to my prime minister and di government that I support, I need di staat sih my Joe Taylor Bridge staat build, I need fi staat sih my road paved.”
Transport networks, including bridges, can facilitate the mobility of people and goods, reduce trade costs and connect markets. Returning mayoral candidate Carlos Galvez contextualizes this by looking at the achievements of the present Punta Gorda Town Council.
Carlos ‘Obeah’ Galvez
“What they have done, they have initiated that Joe Taylor Bridge. That’s approximately two million dollars, a new bridge, a two-lane bridge. The contract has been signed already, M&M Construction, and also six major streets.”
Social infrastructure, on the other hand, improves the quality of human resources, such as education, health, and social services, which leads to an increase in the wellbeing and efficiency of the population. As an example, public education can enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce, as well as foster innovation and creativity. Together, they foster social cohesion, cultural diversity, and political stability.
Franklyn ‘Kranka’ Polonio
“On my manifesto, there are two things, two big things that we looked at, one is a House of Culture. When we get a House of Culture built here in PG, we will be looking at the tourism industry, the sector, you know, affecting that in all manner. We have the different cultures, we know that PG is one of the melting pots in Belize, you know. That will bring jobs, we have different crafts, different food items in PG. And of course, another one is looking at a call center. That will very much boost the economy of PG, money will be spending and things will begin to look better in that regard.”
To create a more livable, resilient, and prosperous municipality for the people of Peini, municipal leaders should collaborate with other stakeholders, such as the private sector, civil society, and international organizations, to mobilize resources and expertise in infrastructure development. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
