The Belizean government’s proposed $69 million loan for the George Price Highway upgrade has sparked intense debate, with the Opposition strongly criticizing the move as an unnecessary financial burden. The loan, aimed at funding roadworks between Belize City and Hattieville, has been labeled by critics as a reckless decision that will saddle the country with two decades of repayments, diverting resources from pressing social and economic issues. Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat, however, has vehemently defended the project, emphasizing its urgency and priority for the Briceno administration. Espat dismissed claims of inadequate feasibility studies, asserting that international financial institutions (IFIs) would not approve loans without thorough documentation. He invited critics, including Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt, to review the studies firsthand. Patt, meanwhile, questioned the project’s cost-effectiveness and standards, citing structural failures in recent infrastructure projects. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton also condemned the loan agreement, accusing the government of prioritizing debt over the nation’s welfare. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and fiscal responsibility in Belize.