Last month we told you about the rapid beach erosion that’s been consuming Monkey River. 500 feet is already gone and there are six homes in clear and present danger. As we’ve reported, Area Representative Eden Martinez visited the area along with technicians from the Ministry of Works and Department of Environment who came up with a temporary solution. That was to plant a manmade barrier of botan palm trees inside tyres.
Work was supposed to start immediately but it hasn’t and that is because they need 4,000 tyres. They have received some help from Caribbean tyres who have committed to donate their used tyres to the project. The first shipment of about 100 tyres is expected to arrive on Monday which is when work will begin. They again need 4,000 tyres and the cost is expected to be $135,000. That is in addition to the $40,000 in sweat equity from villagers.
The village’s Erosion Committee Chairman Chris Harris told us that the pace of erosion has slowed down but it is still an urgent concern. Anyone wishing to help can contact Harris at 674-3474. You can email Harris at Chrisharris@gmail.com.
Monkey River is one of Belize’s oldest communities. It has only 200 residents.
