Joe Taylor Bridge to be replaced

Yesterday the Ministry of Infrastructure put out a press release saying that work will commence shortly on the Joe Taylor Bridge and that residents will have to use the Cerro Road for the next 15 months. The BPP says that it applauds the MIDH efforts to put a new bridge in place but they must also be considerate of the residents. We spoke to Wil Maheia leader of the BPP. The Belize Progressive Party (BPP) welcomes the long-awaited infrastructure development project for a new Joe Taylor Bridge. This has been a very necessary project since it services the entrance to Punta Gorda town. We note with serious concern that the estimated time for the completion of this very active entry and exit point is 15 months. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) is asking the public to utilize the Carib Reserve Road as an alternate route. The BPP calls on the MIDH to consult with residents in finding a more suitable route instead of traversing approximately eight miles to get to their homes and places of business. The high fuel prices will be especially costly to residents who reside within this immediate area. We ask the MIDH to reconsider a more suitable option for these residents, perhaps through the use of a temporary pass. This will conveniently service residents who live on both sides of the current bridge.