Tag:
San Mateo Subdivision
Community and Society
Residents urge authorities to do more for street infrastructure on the island
In collaboration with the central government, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has launched an ambitious project to pave the main streets in all subdivisions. However, many residents living along the side streets are urging authorities to also upgrade their areas. Reports highlight issues in neighborhoods like San Mateo and the DFC subdivision, where the primary complaint is the lack of drainage. This situation makes some streets impassable after rainfall, forcing residents to take alternative routes, including crossing private property, to access their homes.
Community and Society
Island residents concerned about rising home rental prices as San Pedro continues to grow
The cost of living in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, has always been higher than in other parts of Belize. As one of the fastest growing municipalities, many people from off the island come to work here and usually look for affordable homes to rent in the outskirts of downtown San Pedro. In the past, these areas lacked essential infrastructure, but now there are planned projects to upgrade them with more services and amenities; conversely, rent for housing is expected to increase as the market becomes more robust and the demand for housing increases. This is causing concern among lower-income residents, especially as there is no known policy in Belize to regulate rental costs.
Community and Society
The underprivileged and overlooked areas of San Mateo still lack proper road access
At first glance, the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye looks like paradise, with clear waters, white sandy beaches, and high-end resorts. Life is primarily centered in San Pedro Town, a haven for tourists. However, tucked on the island’s outskirts, out of sight of tourists, lies another view for locals: the San Mateo subdivision. This disparaged community, with approximately 1500 residents, suffers from years of neglect and poverty.
Community and Society
SPTC creating and rehabilitating streets in developing areas
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) is working to improve the daily commute for residents on the island. They are currently improving streets in the developing areas of DFC and surrounding locations where conditions are deplorable. This will improve people's lives across subdivisions by giving them access to better roads. The council is also working on opening new streets for the island community.
Community and Society
San Mateo public information session held in San Pedro
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) continues to work on a plan to upgrade the standard of living and infrastructure in the northern subdivision of San Mateo. A large-scale plan that will include paved streets, drainage systems, better access to utilities, waste management, and even the possible creation of public areas was discussed with the residents during a public meeting on January 23, 2024. The project depends on the community's feedback. As such, a follow-up discussion was hosted by the SPTC on Tuesday, February 13th, at the Sunbreeze Hotel.
Community and Society
San Pedro Sanitation Department starts clean-up campaign in San Mateo
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has embarked on another large-scale clean-up campaign in the San Mateo subdivision north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. A large amount of rubbish, mainly yard waste, has been removed from key points in the subdivision. The campaign stressed the importance of keeping the island community clean and promoting a healthier, trash-free environment.
Community and Society
San Pedro Government Hospital to provide over 200 jobs
At a public meeting in San Mateo north of San Pedro Town, Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez stated that the project for the government hospital for the island is finally happening this year. Perez said that although funds were secured, they had to find a property on the island for the structure, and plans had to be designed for the hospital. According to him, all that is done, and once completed, it will provide permanent jobs for around 250 employees.
Community and Society
San Mateo residents presented with plans to improve their community
A presentation to discuss an improvement project for the subdivision of San Mateo provided residents with a first look at the different plans to uplift the infrastructure and services in the community. Some of these plans presented by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) include paving the main streets, a drainage system, garbage management, better access to utilities, creation of public areas, and even the possible building of a second bridge connecting San Mateo with downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
