Land Deal Linked to Swing Bridge Plan, Smart Strategy or Risk?

A prime piece of Belize City real estate is now in government hands and officials say it’s money well spent. The Government of Belize has snapped up the San Cas Bottom Dollar property on North Front Street for five million dollars, negotiating it down from an eight-million-dollar price tag. But it’s not just a land purchase, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody says it’s part of a bigger infrastructure strategy. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development & Housing, the acquisition will save taxpayers millions by avoiding the costly relocation of water and sewer lines tied to the upcoming Swing Bridge replacement. In fact, he estimates that moving those utilities alone would have cost around three million dollars. So, while the price tag may raise eyebrows, officials argue the long-term savings, and smoother project rollout, make the deal worth it.

 

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“In our discussion during the implementation of our procurement process, we were advised by BWS that they have a sewer line and a water line within the easement that is there between Prosser and Bottom Dollar parking lot. So that was exactly in the alignment where the structure was supposed to be constructed across the Haulover Creek taking us across to Regent Street West. So, in consultation with them I received a correspondence where they indicated that to relocate that line it would cost three million dollars, and that is to relocate to sewer main and water main that runs under the bed of the Haulover Creek. After a period of one month we had negotiations with owners of the property and it was advised by us to the government that we acquire those three properties rather than paying for the relocation of the pipe. Reason being that under the project we also have some funding for the provision of office space for the Japanese contractor once they arrive in country. So, we have one million dollars for that under the grant agreement. So based on our negotiations with the owners we negotiated a purchase price of five million Belize dollar.”

 

Moody says the property will be used as storage space for the contractor during the implementation of the project. When construction is complete, the Government of Belize will be able to use the property as it sees fit.

 

BelCan Bridge Upgrade Push Forces Businesses Out

 

Change is already underway around the BelCan Bridge and it’s pushing businesses to move. As preparations ramp up for the bridge replacement, the Ministry of Infrastructure is clearing the way, working closely with the Belize City Council to relocate vendors and car dealers operating nearby. Notices have gone out, and many dealers have already pulled out. The council has agreed to relocate the remaining vendors, including Tony’s Barbeque, as work moves ahead. Soon, that stretch by the bridge will look completely different, set to become a wider, modern approach for the new BelCan Bridge.

 

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“With respect to the relocation of the vendors near the BelCan Bridge. I have written to the mayor of Belize City. With respect to the vendor near the taxi stand just behind Save U and with respect to the shed over by BWs just across the southside by the bridge. So I have written to the mayor with respect to those and he has committed to ensuring he works with these vendors to get them relocated as soon as possible. We have given them a timeline of thirty days for that to be done. So, the mayor has written back in good faith indicating he is working on that and it will be done in a timely manner. The new structure is wider than the existing structure so we will need to reclaim that area and then completely do a new pavement upgrade to tie into the new structure.”

 

Moody noted that the Save U entrance along Central American Boulevard will be incorporated in the design of the project to allow for access to the boulevard.

 

Deadline Set to Clear George Price Highway Signs and Memorials

 

The MIDH has placed a deadline on the removal of business signs and roadside memorials along the George Price Highway between Belize City and Hattieville. Acknowledging the significance of the memorials, the ministry issued a notice requesting that removals be completed by June twelfth. Today, Chief Engineer Evondale Moody explained why the request is being made.

 

Evondale Moody, Chief Engineer, MIDH

“Yesterday I sent out a public notice to inform businesses and individuals that have either signs or memorials along the highway, specifically between Belize City and Hattieville where we have the upgrading of lot one of the George Price Highway Project. This was done in anticipation of the work currently being undertaken by Cisco Construction. They are working in three locations, between Western Avenue and Faber’s Road, between miles four and five which is the Old Belize Area and miles eight and ten, near the airboats. We are aware there are a number of signs within the road reserve. The ministry has to ensure that we hand over a road reserve clear and free of all obstacles to the contractor in anticipation of his works. To facilitate that we thought it was prudent to send out this notice.”

 

Moody says when the deadline passes the ministry will request that the contractor carry out the removal of the signs and memorials. 

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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