Habet Says Seawall Concerns in Caye Caulker Will Be Reviewed

The Ministry of Sustainable Development says concerns raised over a proposed seawall and dredging project in Caye Caulker’s western mangrove zone will be reviewed in consultation with the Department of Environment.

The Caye Caulker Village Council had written to the Department of Environment warning that the project could damage mangroves and restrict public access to the waterfront. The council emphasized that mangroves serve as a natural barrier against erosion and storm surge, and cautioned that unchecked development could undermine both the island’s environment and its tourism appeal.

Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet said he has not yet seen the letter but will look into it once it is formally brought to his attention. He said the matter will be assessed jointly with the environmental authorities to determine the appropriate response. “But just from the concerns of the community if the seawall is there one, you have to see what positivity there is to it… and then also looking at the negative side to it, because sometimes you build these walls and they’re not built then it causes erosion on one side and the other,” he added.

Habet stressed that any decision must balance development needs with environmental protection, particularly in sensitive coastal communities like Caye Caulker. He also pointed to the importance of maintaining the island’s unique character as a low-key, walkable destination. “I think that there has to be a balance… you don’t want to see all those vehicles and golf carts where people are already accustomed to walk,” he said, comparing Caye Caulker to the busier San Pedro Town.