Government Launches $300,000 Emergency Works as Monkey River Erosion Worsens

The Government of Belize has commenced a $300,000 shoreline stabilisation project in Monkey River Village, where severe coastal erosion continues to threaten homes, public infrastructure and a cemetery.

The works began in February and represent the first direct government intervention after years of complaints from residents that the sea is steadily reclaiming land in the Toledo community.

“If we do not do anything as a government, this village is going to disappear,” Prime Minister John Briceño said. He described seeing part of the cemetery in the sea, adding that he felt “a sense of anger and also despair” that more had not been done sooner “to help this village.”

The project includes the installation of rock barriers and the repositioning of sand near the river mouth to reduce wave energy and stabilise the shoreline.

Village Chairlady Eloydia Cuevas said the erosion crisis extends beyond land loss and is affecting the community’s economic survival. “It is vital to our economy, culture, environment, our livelihoods,” Cuevas said. “This is Monkey River. This is where we live.”

Full story tonight on News 5 Live at 6 p.m.