Consultations to Take Place in Delineation Exercise

The Ministry of Local Government spearheads the delineation exercise being conducted countrywide. This exercise attempts to recognize the growth that some municipalities have experienced since their boundaries were first established. But, as viewers will recall, the exercise got very tricky in Cayo when Succotz residents were up in arms saying that Benque was being expanded well into their lands. At that time, the ministry issued a release stating that it was resuming its municipal boundaries delineation exercise and that the residents were jumping the gun on the town boundary dispute. Minister Requeña provided an update on the ongoing consultations.

Oscar Requeña

Oscar Requeña, Minister of Local Government

“It serves as the basis, as the framework, as the platform, for municipalities to be able to deliver the goods and services that they are charged with to deliver to those communities. As you are aware, we have seen municipalities grown so their boundaries have expanded and certainly residents clamour for services. They want to ensure that their garbage is picked up, their streets are cleaned, their parks are upgraded among other services. During this process, particularly in the case of Benque Viejo and Succotz, this is a process that started all the way back in 1997 to my understanding. Unfortunately what has happened is that over the years, the boundaries have expanded for Benque and residents of Succotz are saying that the boundaries are now encroaching on their land. Please understand that whilst we have responsibility to oversee this process and to advise on this process, there are other entities that are involved and that work very closely with local government. The Ministry of Natural Resources has that responsibility to look at the area, to develop the maps and to advise on how we go forward. Election and Boundaries is also involved because they manage elections – whether local or national elections. I want to reassure the residents of San Jose Succotz and Benque that any final decision will certainly be on the advice of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Election and Boundaries and certainly the engagtemnet and participation of both municipalities.”