MIDH to assume control of the Belcan Bridge replacement project

After some intense controversy, reports are that the Minister of Infrastructure, Development and Housing (MIDH) is being given full oversight of the replacement of the Belcan Bridge.  The project initially made headlines when the design was presented by the Belize City Council, and subsequently drew strong criticism, particularly from M & M Engineering, which publicly claimed it had been sidelined in the process. The concerns escalated into a national discussion over procurement procedures, project management, and fairness in awarding major public works contracts.  Sources now confirm that, to settle the matter and move the project forward without further delay, Cabinet has decided that the MIDH, the government’s chief infrastructure arm, will assume full responsibility for executing the new Belcan Bridge.  Speaking on the development, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner said he is not concerned about who manages the project, as long as residents get the safe, modern bridge they deserve.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City: “I have had some some some communication but again we as a local agency we fully respect the decision of the Government of Belize and so when we were asked to be an implementing partner we willingly accepted and if we are asked to give way we will be a willing partner as well. Whatever happens in the future in respect to the bridge we fully support that decision. We are never about us, we’re about the people. At the end of the day, my biggest, as a mayor of the city, we have a manifesto which speaks to having a Swing Bridge and the Belcan Bridge replaced. If I, as a mayor of the city, and this Belize City Council is able to have our Swing Bridge replace and our Belcan Bridge replaced I’m not interested in who builds it. I’m not interested in who…. I want the bridge to be built for the residents of the city. A big, beautiful bridge for our residents of the city is my ultimate objective and I’m not concerned about the politics. I just want this big, beautiful bridge for the residents of our city.”

Our newsroom reached out to MIDH officials earlier today, but we were unable to make contact.  Meanwhile, the project’s timeline has not yet been released, MIDH is expected to conduct its own assessments and move ahead with procurement and construction planning.  The Belcan Bridge, one of the city’s busiest crossings, has long been identified as needing full replacement due to structural deterioration. .