If you notice a flurry of civil works happening on your Belize City street, the mayor says it's not because the general election is near. Yesterday he explained that there's a long term plan that guides which streets are tackled and what means are used to fix them.
But what about Lizarraga Avenue/Lottie Waight Street?
Last month we showed you the craters on the street and you heard from the residents how it was affecting them. But if you were to drive on it now, it's like a table-top. We asked the mayor about it.
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"We have a plan."
Jules Vasquez:
"I remember you talked about that but it seems to coincide with the elections."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"We have an established plan we built 150 streets in our last term."
Jules Vasquez:
"But you agree there's a rush at the election to pave streets?"
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"No it may seem like a rush to you all but it's within the scope of the plan and it so happens that you will look around and say oh elections is coming but no, it's the normal course of business. 150 streets done in the last 3 years. This year we have to slow down a bit because resources dictate that but we have a map of the plan, we have like 20 to 25 streets that we need to get done, a lot of people within the city are agitating for better streets, for decent streets. We know the chip and seal is not the best option. MIDH has indicated that the way to go is cement or the hot mix but again that comes with resources and how sustainable is it for a council."
Jules Vasquez:
"So now, remember we did that story on the street which is of a disputed name because when I asked Mr D&D's, it's him that gave us the name we used."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Lottie Waight?"
Jules Vasquez:
"You called it Lottie Waight. There's a 3rd Street sign and then he said that's Lizarraga Avenue, that's what he said he live on. Anyway, we know the street we're talking about. We see a big operation happening there. Explain to me what is happening out on that street of disputed name."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor of Belize City
"Well, again, just to show you, and I'll come right back to what you said. It's all in the normal days work. I sent a letter around March of last year, not this year because we're just in March. March/April of last year to the prime minister because I had a complaint from the hospital that the street was dusty and patients are there and so I asked the government if they could assist us with that project and the prime minister said yes we will assist you. And that is what is happening now in terms of that street but people have to have patience. Everybody wants streets fixed but you have to exercise patience, we can't get to all the street. We will try to get to most of them, but have some patience."
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