The newly upgraded Hopkins Village Main Road was officially opened on the 4th March 2019. Minister of Works, Honorable Rene Montero and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Belize, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska will lead the inauguration ceremony that will take place at the Maude Park, Hopkins Village, and Stann Creek District beginning at 10:30 am.
The Hopkins Village Main Street which was rehabilitated under the Banana Accompanying Measures Programme (BAM) 2013, jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Belize is of major importance for the social development of southern Belize.
Improvement works effected at a cost of € 1,220,946 (BZ$ 2,869,224) include the supply, construction, installation and completion of over three kilometers of road with concrete pavement, culverts and Vee drains. Over six kilometers of water supply pipeline with assemblies and fittings have been laid along the road; two concrete pedestrian crossings; road markings and over one hundred traffic signs have also been installed.
With this upgrading work, the once difficult to access seaside village is now easily accessible for those traveling in private or public transportation, resulting in increased business opportunities, especially where Tourism is concerned. Additionally, quality of life has been improved for villagers as the once dusty road has been paved improving overall health conditions. Barbara Nunez, Principal of Holy Family RC School in Hopkins, has indicated that student attendance and punctuality have improved as a result of the upgraded road.
The overall objective of the BAM 2013 programme is to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the standard of living in targeted communities in Southern Belize.
Chairman of Hopkins Village, Mr. Ted McKoy; National Authorizing Officer, Ambassador Yvonne Hyde; Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Works, Mr. Errol Gentle; representatives of the Contracting firm - Teichroeb & Sons Ltd., community representatives and other senior public officials will also participate in the inauguration ceremony.