The high incidence of road fatalities in Belize has led to increased demand by road users for safer roads. In response to this demand, the Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Works (MoW), has prepared a maintenance strategy and programme to improve the serviceability of the road network at a minimum cost to the economy through;

1. Preventive maintenance of roads in good condition in order to delay further deterioration;
2. Rehabilitation, reconstruction or improvement of the more heavily trafficked main and secondary roads as appropriate;
3. Expansion of spatial distribution of roads to develop new areas of Belize for residential and economic activity; and
4. Strengthening the management of the road sector

In light of this, the MoW  contracted ITT to carry out a study and develop a comprehensive plan encompassing the organisational structure, legal framework, and institutional and financing mechanisms for the efficient management and maintenance of public roads in Belize.

ITT’s project team developed a methodology to determine the most cost-effective and efficient structure for management and maintenance of public roads, and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the existing systems. The methods of construction and maintenance being used at the time were analysed from institutional, legal, and financial perspectives. The public and private entities involved in road construction and maintenance were identified, and their methods, efficiency, manning levels and methods of financing including charges were analysed. ITT were requested to explore alternative future arrangements including the possible establishment of a Road Maintenance Fund.