El Cayo Boardwalk in San Ignacio is Finally Inaugurated

A boardwalk can really boost the charm and economic vitality of a tourist destination, benefiting both local businesses and the community. On Friday, the Belize Tourism Board and Cayo Northeast Area Representative Orlando Habet officially opened the El Cayo Boardwalk along the Macal River. You might remember the brief groundbreaking ceremony last year, just before the municipal elections in March. The project was completed sometime after, but it wasn’t until Friday that everyone came together again for the grand opening. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.

 

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Boardwalks attract visitors, providing a steady stream of potential customers for nearby businesses. The picturesque view of the Macal River certainly enhances the visitor experience, making San Ignacio more memorable and encouraging repeat visits.

 

Orlando Habet, Area Rep, Cayo Northeast

“The plan is to continue doing a second phase and then eventually a third phase until we reach until we reach the boat wharf area which is by the old Western Club.  And we are also doing other projects within this area.”

 

 

 

However, El Cayo Boardwalk isn’t without its share of controversy. When the Belize Tourism Board, Area Representative Landy Habet, and the P.U.P. town council slate broke ground on the project in late February 2024, Mayor Earl Trapp publicly stated that he was never consulted about it. This certainly stirred up some debate in the community.

 

 

 

Orlando Habet

“What we have to do is to come together as a community.  We have to have strength in numbers, certainly, and the consultation process has to occur, that is true. But, I think that the mayor has to also be truthful because we have pictures and videos with the mayor here with Mr. Juan Polanco who was here, also taking pictures, and we did the consultation and he agreed in our constructing this boardwalk.”

 

 

The expected influx of tourists is set to boost sales and revenue for local businesses, driving economic growth in the area. This surge in visitors will likely bring a wave of new opportunities and prosperity to the community.

 

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism

“This entire area, I think, has great, great potential in being more of a tourism destination.  We started the project over here, over the other side of the river and we’ve completed this part.  This is phase one.  I’ve been speaking to the minister about extending the boardwalk, whichever location, with consultation with the town council and experts. So that’s critical and I truly believe that the entire Cayo District can be more of a tourism destination in terms of the overall tourism product that we have to offer.”

 

The reality is that the area is prone to flooding. In mid-November, the boardwalk and nearby structures were submerged when the Macal River overflowed its banks. This has raised concerns about the long-term viability of the project.

 

 

 

 

Orlando Habet

“There were some naysayers saying that the boardwalk will not withstand the flooding and I think that even what I saw on Facebook, there were some people even praying that the boardwalk would be taken away during the floods.  And, as Councilor Mai said, this boardwalk has withstood the second largest flooding event in the last fifteen years, two months ago.  These little kiosks were at least ten feet below water.  Mr. Morris and myself and a few others came and we opened the windows so that water can flow through so that you can create less pressure.  And after the flood was gone, we came back and we washed up and cleaned up and here we are today.”

 

A well-kept boardwalk really boosts the charm of the area, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors want to linger and explore. The businesses along the boardwalk also get a visibility boost, making it easier to draw in tourists.

 

 

 

Anthony Mahler

“I congratulate everybody from the Cayo District, from San Ignacio, Santa Elena with the last project over there, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you who is interested in working along with us to ensure that we increase the quality of the visitor experience here in the country.”

 

Isani Cayetano for News Five.