Sugar Roads Being Repaired

Efforts to repair the dirt roads leading to cane fields in northern Belize are underway. Last week, the Corozal Sugarcane Producers Association issued a press release raising concerns about their inability to meet the daily sugarcane delivery quota. The fields where mature cane is planted are located in low-lying areas that have become inaccessible. The root of the problem lies in the poor condition of the roads, exacerbated by weeks of heavy rainfall and the constant use of heavy-duty equipment, which has further damaged the infrastructure. With a break in the rains, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing has begun repairing as many roads as possible.

Repairs have already been completed in parts of Caledonia, San Victor, and Louisville, with ongoing works in Pachacan and surrounding areas.

For cane farmer Jose Majil, the challenge is slightly different. Unlike other farmers who can’t access their mature cane, Majil has been unable to deliver any cane since the crop season opened in December because his crop won’t mature for another month. This delay translates to an estimated loss of $400 per day, based on the 39 tonnes of cane he should be delivering daily.

He said, “We cannot work, and some farmers have big machinery, so they try to take out the product, but at the time they’re hurting the roots too.”

The poor condition of the roads, worsened by persistent rains and the impact of heavy machinery, has made it difficult for farmers to transport their crops.

During his appearance on Open Your Eyes today, Prime Minister John Briceño explained that it is difficult to repair the roads when it’s raining constantly.