The Senate also debated and passed the loan motion for 24 million US dollars from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). As we reported, the Government has requested the help of CABEI to partially finance the expansion and rehabilitation of a 16-mile stretch of the Philip Goldson Highway from miles 8 and a half to Mile 24.
The Interim Senator, Phillip Willoughby, who was filling in for Michael Peyrefitte on the Opposition's side of the chamber, told his government colleagues that he is happy that they are continuing a "UDP program" of infrastructure development:
Phillip Willoughby - Interim UDP Senator
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Government for the continuation of another brainchild project of the UDP. But it goes without saying, Madam President. We can overlook to mention the hypocrisy to some extent because whenever the government speaks to infrastructure, it becomes nauseating."
"Infrastructure connects people. It moves goods and services. Prior to the general elections, we've heard educated people make remarks, making statements that we cannot eat streets or its infrastructure. But again, I must say thank you to the government for continuing with this project. And I am certain that the people of Belize and our guests will have this infrastructure for a very, very, very long time to come."
Isabel Bennett - PUP Senator
"It's rather hilarious. I could remember at a point when Belize seemed to have been just focused on infrastructure, and I was saying to myself, Well, these highways would last us a very, very long time. But before you know it, the highways were actually deplorable, and much of the monies that were spent having to be given to specific contractors. We saw I got that it was not in the best interests of the infrastructure of the country. And even as I listened just now, I thank you, Senator deputizing, that you made mention that what we are doing now, as a government, will actually last a very, very long time."
Kevin Herrera - Business Senator
"I want to again commend the government for the construction of this very badly needed or the rehabilitation of this badly needed area of the road. I live in this general area here, and, you know, there are times when it has deteriorated significantly. And I know that the fixed pieces over the past year or so. But one of my points is not with respect to what is being spent on the road or where it is going, or if it looks reasonable or not. I would like to recommend at some point in the process, as we go forward, Madam President, I think there should be some audit of contracts that would ensure that the value is there within these contracts."
