Paving of the Southern Highway

Press Release - Belmopan - February 28th 2011 - A contract signing agreement was signed between the Government of Belize and the Contractor Cisco Construction Ltd at a cost of BZ $47,995,867.50 for the upgrading of the road from Big Falls Village (Dump) to the Belize/Guatemala Border. Funds for the implementation of this projects were sourced from a loan to the Belize Government from the Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development and AFID (OPEC Fund for the International Development)including the Central American Bank for the Economic Integration (CABEI), and counterpart funding contributed by the Government of Belize.

The works consist of upgrading approximately 34KM (23 Miles) to paved standards, the existing road embankment from Big Falls Village –mile 14 (Dump) to a point 1.5km south of Jalacte Village, following the current alignment, which passes through the villages of Mafredi, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Santa Elena and Pueblo Viejo. The road cross section will comprise of two 3.25 meters of wide lanes with 1 meter wide paved shoulders; this is a total of 8.5 meters surfaced roadway width. All major existing drainage structures (box culverts) and concrete bridges will be rehabilitated to ensure continued service life.

When completed, the highway will serve several objectives and will allow Villages located in the Western part of Toledo District improved access to Punta Gorda and the rest of the country. It will enhance our capacity for commerce and trade from our Central American neighbours and encourages the formal establishments of a second border crossing with Guatemala.