By Belize Live News Staff: A lively debate unfolded yesterday in the House of Representatives as members discussed the proposed $34 million USD Caribbean Development Bank Eighth Road Project Loan Motion, which aims to rehabilitate the George Price Highway from Belize City to Hattieville.
Opposition member Tracy Panton objected to the motion, arguing that 69 million Belize dollars for approximately 15 miles of roadwork was excessive. She warned that Belizeans—particularly young people—would be paying off this debt for decades. Panton also criticized what she called a lack of clarity and supporting information, describing the process as a rubber-stamp approval.
Lee Mark Chang echoed those concerns, saying portions of the road remain serviceable and suggesting that a massive overhaul may not be necessary. He questioned why millions should be spent when the route only needs moderate upgrades, and he pointed out gaps in the documentation relating to construction specifics.
Responding strongly, Minister Julius Espat rejected the Opposition’s claims and defended the project as urgently needed. He stressed that the George Price Highway is the main artery that connects Belize’s commercial and political centers. Espat said the required technical documents—feasibility studies, designs, and financial analyses—are available at the Ministry and invited members to review them instead of assuming they do not exist. He also highlighted failures of past administrations to practice the transparency they now demand.
