BelCan Bridge Redesign Unveiled Amid Controversy Over Alleged Design Theft

This afternoon, traffic slowed to a crawl as the BelCan Bridge was blocked off for the official unveiling of the design for its long-awaited replacement. The new BelCan Bridge isn’t just about crossing Haulover Creek. Officials describe it as a modern, resilient design that reflects safety, connection, and progress. By day, it will stand out as a sleek landmark, and by night, it will shine with lights for safe travel. The project will be fully funded through a grant from the Government of Taiwan, with the Government of Belize as the recipient. The Belize City Council will serve as the local implementing partner, working with ministries and agencies to ensure that community priorities are considered throughout construction. But today’s unveiling wasn’t without controversy. Local firm M&M Designs is accusing the supervising consultant, Turbo Solutions, of stealing their original design back in 2022. When pressed on the allegation, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner declined to comment directly.

 

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“Well, I can’t speak on that matter. I have no knowledge of that. Certainly, I have no knowledge of that. So I couldn’t speak on it.”

 

 

 

Reporter

“And if the project has, as it is claimed, started out with intellectual property theft, that does not seem very promising for transparency going forward. How will you assure there is transparency and that taxpayers get the best value for their investment?”

 

Bernard Wagner

“Let us not stray away from the point. The point is here that the government of Belize is a recipient of a grant fund from the government of Taiwan to replace a bridge that serves as a critical sort of mobility for the residents of the city. We want to ensure that as a municipality, there are local priorities undertaken within the scope of the works.”

 

The mayor says construction on the new BelCan Bridge is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.