Belize City has initiated an extensive urban rehabilitation program to address severe roadway deterioration that has transformed many streets into obstacle courses for motorists. The municipal government is currently advancing repairs on multiple critical arteries while preparing residents for even more substantial infrastructure projects in the coming months.
Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller provided a comprehensive update on ongoing repairs, highlighting progress on Iguana Street in the Collett constituency, Arlington Drive in Port Loyola, and recently completed work on Lakeview and Seagull streets in the Queen Square Division. Most significantly, rehabilitation has commenced on Western Avenue, a crucial transportation corridor serving the Lake Independence Area. Crews are currently addressing drainage issues before commencing full-scale roadworks on this vital thoroughfare.
The City Council has committed to an ambitious goal of rehabilitating 150 streets per administrative term, though officials urge patience as crews methodically address the city’s widespread pavement deficiencies. The pothole crisis has become so severe that some residents describe navigating crater-sized defects on daily commutes.
Beyond immediate repairs, the municipality is preparing for transformative infrastructure projects including the George Price Highway upgrade and replacement of both the Swing Bridge and Belcan Bridge. The City Council has scheduled a town hall meeting to facilitate public consultation, allowing residents to understand potential traffic disruptions and rerouting scenarios during construction.
Simultaneously, the Council is addressing a separate community concern regarding El Celaso Street in Belama, where residents petitioned to maintain the roadway as public infrastructure. This matter has been referred to the Ministry of Natural Resources, with municipal officials expressing support for the community’s position despite complications arising from pre-2020 election land title assignments.
Deputy Mayor Miller emphasized that resident concerns remain at the forefront of municipal planning, acknowledging that while infrastructure projects may cause temporary navigation challenges, the long-term benefits will significantly enhance urban mobility and quality of life throughout Belize City.