Urgent Replacement of Belize City Bridges Remains Pending

The need for urgent replacement of key infrastructures in Belize City, including the Swing Bridge and BelCan Bridge, remains pending. These structures are part of the George Price Highway Upgrade Project.

Discussions surrounding the replacement of these bridges have been well over 2 years.

Back in April of this year, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing stated, “It’s a structure that really needs to be replaced… we have seen based on the assessment that we have done that the pairs that are there are at risk because of the spalling of the concrete from the piles.”

Moody confirmed that a procurement process for the new structures was initiated but subsequently stalled at the Ministry of Finance level. “We had begun the procurement process for the replacement structure; however, that was put on hold by the Ministry of Finance. We are currently awaiting their decision so that we can proceed with construction,” he explained.

In May, News 5 spoke with Minister of Infrastructure Development Julius Espat. He stated that his ministry has completed all necessary studies to seek funding for the project. “We have done our job. It is up to the Ministry of Finance to make the final decision,” he reiterated. Espat expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Ministry of Finance, stating, “From day one, I have been waiting for a response. If the allocation is given to us, the work will start immediately. I have no clue about what their budget plans entail.”

The urgency of replacing the ageing bridges has become increasingly pressing. Visual inspections reveal further deterioration. Cracks and structural wear have become more evident. The possibility of the bridges collapsing is increasing.