City to Take Over Key Highway Sections After Major Upgrades

The Belize City Council is preparing to assume responsibility for several major roadways within the municipality, following approval of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH).

According to minutes from the Council’s October 17, 2024 meeting, Mayor Bernard Wagner moved a motion seeking approval for the agreement, which would see MIDH relinquish jurisdiction over key stretches of the George Price Highway, the Philip Goldson Highway and the entirety of Central American Boulevard within city limits.

The sections identified include the George Price Highway from the Faber’s Road roundabout to its intersection with Central American Boulevard; Central American Boulevard from that junction to the Princess Margaret Drive “flag” roundabout; and the Philip Goldson Highway from the flag roundabout to the Chetumal Street roundabout.

During the meeting, questions were raised about the reasoning behind the transfer. Mayor Wagner explained that for years there has been a “grey area” regarding who is responsible for maintenance of those corridors, particularly medians and surrounding infrastructure. He said formalizing the arrangement would remove ambiguity and give the Council clearer control and accountability over those areas. Deputy Mayor Pollard noted that the situation mirrors past uncertainty over Cemetery Road, adding that under the proposed arrangement, Central American Boulevard would fall entirely under municipal responsibility.

However, the transfer will not happen immediately. Chief Engineer Evondale Moody told our newsroom that under the Public Roads Act, he currently retains responsibility for all highways, including those that pass through the city. He clarified the current highway alignment, noting that the official highway corridor makes a loop at the Save U roundabout and the George Price Highway junction. “The entire Central American Boulevard from Save U all the way to the port is under the jurisdiction of MIDH. The highway makes that U-turn from George Price, goes along Central American Boulevard, and then comes back around to Save U and up to the Philip Goldson Highway. That is under my jurisdiction.”

Moody confirmed that MIDH had written to the mayor proposing to hand over certain sections, but only after upgrades are completed. “I have received a response from him whereby the Council has agreed to adopt those two sections, including Central American Boulevard, but only after we have completed the upgrading works on those highways,” he said.

Those improvements are expected to span the next three years. “More than likely, that is when that MOU will be signed whereby I could hand over jurisdiction of that section,” Moody added.

The motion was seconded and ultimately approved after discussion among councillors.