📋 Tender Overview
The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank CDB approved funding for the upgrading of 125 kilometres of road comprising the northern portion of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway and the Remate Bypass. The highway links the capital Belize City with the Mexican border.The upgrading of the northern section of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway the vital trade corridor between Belize Guatemala and Mexico will facilitate economic development enhance livelihoods for residents along the corridor while making this passageway more resilient to flooding and safer for road users and residents along the road said CDB Acting Vice-President Operations Diana Wilson Patrick.The almost US60-million project is being funded by a US34-million loan from CDB a grant of 14 million some US18 million from the Government of the United Kingdom through the CDB-administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund and a contribution of almost US7 million from the Government of Belize.The United Kingdom is delighted to be supporting this vital project. The upgrading of the Philip S. W. Goldson Highway will deliver a boost to economic growth which is much needed after the severe impacts of the global pandemic. It will also help to improve the livelihoods of communities along the route and improve road safety for users and residents said British High Commissioner for Belize Claire Evans.The highway is part of the Atlantic Corridor of the International Network of Mesoamerican Highways which links the road transportation networks of Central American countries and Mexico. It serves as the arterial route for much of Belizes imports from its Central American neighbours which amount to 20 of total imports. The road also connects the countrys principal seaport in Belize City and the airport with the Mexican border where the Corozal Commercial Free Zone attracts foreign investment and contributes to economic growth through the export of consumer goods.The infrastructure project will improve the highways width junctions drainage alignments and pavement condition as well as install signage bus shelters walkways and markings. An estimated 55000 daily road users will benefit from reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs and improved access to climate resilient all-weather and safer roads.The upgraded corridor will also directly benefit 45000 residents in the districts of Corozal Orange Walk and other northern communities through increased economic opportunities during and after construction with support provided to assist them in accessing those opportunities.
