The Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) currently has six projects at the design stage and one project already under construction. BIL is a public sector agency of the Government to manage the design and construction of capital projects in Belize with particular emphasis on sporting and other multipurpose facilities. Prime Minister Barrow has pledged that each district town will see an investment of at least million in public facilities. According to Christy Mastry, General Manager of BIL, the municipalities that have already submitted their projects are Belmopan City, San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town, Benque Viejo Town, San Pedro Town and Belize City.
In Belmopan City the Isidoro Football Stadium will be renovated to world class standards. The field will be upgraded; a main building will be constructed and the complex will be fenced. Proper lighting will be installed as well as bleachers, home and away restrooms, concession stands and a parking lot. The project is estimated to cost $3.5 million and construction will commence in September of 2014.
Construction is already underway on Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town. This is a roofed, outdoor court facility with restrooms and a refurbished stage. The facility will also feature a playground, sidewalks and a bus stop. Completion date is set at October, 2014 and the estimated cost of the project is $850,000. Also in San Ignacio, the Victor Galvez Recreation Field will be upgraded at a cost of more than $1.3 million. The facility will include outdoor court facilities, a practice and recreation football field, outdoor track and amenities. Construction will start in September of 2014.
Two football fields will be built in Santa Elena at the Victor August Football Stadium. One will be a practice and recreation field that is always open to the public. The other will be a game field for organized competition. This field will be built to meet FIFA standard and will be able to hold 4,000 fans. There will be proper drainage, parking, restrooms, lighting and other amenities. The estimated cost is $2.25 million and construction will commence in October of 2014.
The Benque Viejo Del Carmen Football Complex and Facilities will be upgraded to FIFA standard. There will be a FIFA certified field and main building with concession area. Quality bleachers will be inserted as well as lighting and home and away restrooms. There will be proper drainage, parking, fencing and free space. Construction will commence in December of 2014 and will cost approximately $4.5 million.
Belize will have its first synthetic turf field in San Pedro Town for the San Pedro Football Field. Mastry points to the difficulty in growing grass on the island and says this is a viable option. The facilty will include a full synthetic turf play field with proper lighting, bleachers and a main building. The complex will be fully fenced and there will be proper parking and road access. The design is still in progress and a construction date has not been set as yet. It is expected to cost in the neighbourhood of $3.25 million.
In Belize City the signature project is the Belize City Center which will be a national basketball and multipurpose facility. It will include a FIBA standard center court where basketball and volleyball will be played. It will include office spaces, locker rooms, stage and service area, concession stands, restrooms, training facilities, media and ticketing boxes. The facility will be properly fenced with parking and a waterfront plaza. The City Center is at the design stage being drafted by Anthony Thurton and Associates. A total of $25 million has been airmarked for construction.
Projects for Dangriga and Punta Gorda are at the design stage. Prime Minister Barrow says he will fast-track the financing for those municipalities. Â
