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Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Is Dangriga losing its coastline to erosion? That's the question we asked after we saw two pictures TAKEN IN FORNT OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE: the first taken in July of 2012, and the second in January of this year. The difference is alarming in just five months - and now it is threatening to undermine a few coastal properties, We asked the mayor what's the cause and what can be done to fix it:..

Major H. Gilbert Swazo (Ret'd), Mayor, Dangriga
"The coastal erosion is a relevant issue. We believe that it may be as a result of one; the mining that is happening up river. We believe that may be a contributing factor. We also believe that it may be attributed to climate change and there are other issues such as growing; for example the Dangriga Town Pier was improperly constructed, such that the normal tide action is not allowing the delta - first and foremost the mining up river is presenting the usual sand budget to go to the delta, so that the sand cannot be spread as it should be. Similarly when you put grow-in and they are not properly constructed - that also present the spread of the sand that is coming from those rivers. Those things in our humble opinion contribute to the erosion that is taking place."

Jules Vasquez
"Is Dangriga is danger of losing its coast?"

Major H. Gilbert Swazo (Ret'd), Mayor, Dangriga
"That's certainly the way it is going - yes. We need solutions, but solutions which certainly will work. As a matter of fact currently we are doing some research with a view now to find out what is the best approach to arrest and mitigate the erosion at this time."

The Dangriga Town board is shaping a proposal to see how they can secure assistance to design remedial measures.

Channel 7


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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Dangriga Coastline Erosion Now An Emergency

In February, we told you about the alarming rate of erosion on the coastline of Dangriga Town. Pictures taken just five months apart, showed a substantial deterioration.

Well, in the two months since picture number two it has gotten even worse. The picnic table that was toppling is now in the sea, and the fence for the park is about to be undermined. What's causing it and what can be done? The Mayor today told us that it's such an emergency, he doesn't even have time to find out - he just has to take action, now:


Retired Major H. Gilberto Swazo - Mayor of Dangriga Town
"The erosion situation in Dangriga is very critical, and as a council we believe that it is our responsibility to arrest that situation as early as possible. The intent is for us in the first instance, to halt the erosion, and then once we halt the erosion then that will retain what we have. And once that is completed, then we go into the reclamation phase. We have directed that anyone who is demolishing, in the first instance like those brick houses, we can utilize to form the same growing that has - that I've spoken about. Those growing will certainly halt the erosion."

Jules Vasquez
"Before you start halt and reclaim, isn't it important to find out what's causing it, so that it can stopped from being caused?"

Major H. Gilberto Swazo
"Well, that is fundamental to find out what is causing the erosion. In view of that, we are partnering with other organizations, which will also include the Pitters Institute and they will be sending scientist with a view, then to ascertain specifically what is the cause of that erosion. But we cannot wait for that because we have to halt it. As a matter of fact, the fence for the BTL - Social Security Park is just about compromise, so we cannot wait for that. So we have to do something to halt the erosion, as we speak."

Jules Vasquez
"It feels like an emergency right now."

Major H. Gilberto Swazo
"I think it's imminent that we do something."

Theories include mining that is happening in the North Stann Creek River. They are looking also at the Dangriga Town Pier which they say interrupts the normal tide action. And, of course, rising sea levels are also a symptom of climate change.

Channel 7


Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
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How to combat erosion in Dangriga?

For the past few months much attention has been paid to the coastline of Dangriga Town, where erosion has become a serious concern. Today Mayor Gilbert Swaso told us that after analysis and consultation, the Council has come up with a practical plan which is being finalized and which will be put in place very soon.

Gilbert Swaso, Mayor, Dangriga Town

Gilbert Swaso

"The Council currently have drafted a proposal which we will begin to implement very shortly. But if you notice on the beach I believe it is indicative of what we had said that the erosion problem is also syndical because the edges would suggest that the beach is somewhat coming back very slowly on its own. So what we intend to do as part of the plan that I've just indicated is that we intend to in the first instance start to put some growing or fingers that will go out. And then we also intend to put some break waters to sort of reduce the energy of the waves. Then that we believe will enable the beach to reduce the energy of the wave coming on to the wave; then it will also enable the beach to grow back slowly on its own. Financing is a problem, however, we are of the view and we've also approached different organizations-even if you notice; HelpAge, Social Security among others are here-they have pledged that they are willing to support the plan. But once we've completed that plan, we have to demonstrate to them what the level of finance it will require to implement that plan and then we'll ask their support with a view then to mitigate that the erosion problem. But certainly certain several organizations and individuals have pledged support. And once we've finalized that plan, we will implement it and we will be getting support."

Swaso told News Five that he has consulted with an expert here in Belize and also the Petters Institute on the matter of the erosion.

Channel 5



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