Belmopan. February 21, 2022. 5:47 p.m.
Hon. John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, together with Ramiro López Ghio, country representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and H.E. Marianne Van Steen, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Belize, inaugurated the newly built Roaring Creek Bridge, as well as 32.5 kilometers of the George Price Highway, stretching across eight western communities and ending at Santa Elena, Cayo District.
The George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project, undertaken by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, rehabilitated the most deteriorated segment of one of Belize’s principal thoroughfares. It has since been upgraded to international standards, improving and ensuring connectivity between the central, northern, and southern parts of the country. The objective is to reduce transport costs, as well as the road’s vulnerability to flooding and other natural disasters, making it more resilient to climate change.
Additionally, the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project included the construction of the Roaring Creek Bridge. The bridge and the two sections of highway were constructed by local contractors under the supervision of IMC Engineering, a UK-based company. The bridge features two lanes for vehicular traffic, as well as two pedestrian paths, and rises twelve feet above the previous structure.
Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Briceño said, “Connectivity in these times is a necessity, not only for the movement of people but for trade. As Belize starts to strengthen its ties with Central America, including Guatemala, our neighbor, this highway is going to be playing an even more critical role in facilitating trade from one country to the next.”
In his remarks, Ramiro López Ghio said, “The rehabilitation of this important highway is a relevant achievement for the people of Belize, since it improves regional integration, enables sustainable and inclusive economic growth, facilitates gender equality and diversity, and strengthens in the best ways possible, important aspects of Climate Change resilience, as it is envisioned in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Vision 2025.”
“The new Roaring Creek Bridge is a strong symbol as a bridge is always a way to bring people closer together. The bridge does not only connect Belmopan with San Ignacio and Belize City, it also further connects Belize to Central America and may open up larger trade flows which will be beneficial for Belize and the region. Similarly, the Roaring Creek Bridge has brought closer together the Government of Belize, the Inter-American Development Bank and the European Union for a strengthened partnership and stronger friendships,” noted Ambassador Van Steen.
The project was funded by the Government of Belize, the IDB, and the EU through the Caribbean Investment Facility.
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