By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has officially declared new boundaries for seven towns across the country—Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Orange Walk, Corozal, and San Pedro. The changes, made under Section 2 of the Town Councils Act (Chapter 87), came into effect on April 1, 2025, following an official Order published in the Gazette.
The move marks a major step forward in modernizing local governance and ensuring towns are legally aligned with their current development and growth.
The boundary adjustments come after the completion of the Municipal Boundaries Re-Delineation Exercise, which began in 2012 and was resumed in 2021 following a Cabinet decision. The process involved months of consultations with town councils, village councils, area representatives, and the general public. It was finalized in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year.
According to the Ministry of Rural Transformation, the updated town limits now reflect the true footprint of urban expansion and provide a clearer legal framework for local administration and municipal service delivery. However, the revised town lines do not override or compromise the identity or boundaries of neighboring village communities.
The original town boundaries date back to the 1980s and 1990s and had long been considered outdated given Belize’s evolving population and urban growth.
The Ministry extended its appreciation to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Mining and the Attorney General’s Ministry for their technical support throughout the process.
Copies of the new town jurisdictions can be accessed through the Gazette or by contacting the relevant town councils or the Department of Local Government. Digital versions of the updated maps are also available.
For additional information, residents can call the Department of Local Government at 828-4287 or 670-2643, or email clifford.king@labour.gov.bz.
