Belize Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Assessment for Improved Road Management Phase II

Context and objectives

To address infrastructure resilience, in particular the resilience of a road network that is vulnerable to natural disasters, the government of Belize is prioritizing the transport sector in its medium-term investment planning, considering both its vulnerability and socio-economic importance.

Technical assistance was provided to the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Economic Development, and the Belize Social Investment Fund to better manage road infrastructure assets by building institutional capacity with the aim of reducing disaster and climate risk vulnerability.

Main activities and results

A pilot exercise for qualitative research was conducted, which included meetings with stakeholders from the Ministry of Works and the University of Belize. This exercise was intended as a tool to understand the priorities and importance of resilience from vulnerable communities. 

A literature review was developed to assess suitable options for the Road Asset Management system that would be adaptable to Belize’s economic and cultural context. The aim of this assessment was to evaluate opportunities to integrate technologies into the current road asset management process. 

The Road Maintenance Management System consultancy procurement package has been reviewed and will be used by the Ministry of Works to serve as an information management system to manage road asset data. 

Best practices were identified in road asset management, and a comprehensive analysis developed on existing road maintenance procedures, through the Transport Asset Management Technical Analysis report. In addition, a roadmap was developed to integrate the update of the roads condition database for the Ministry of Works. Technical support was also being provided to national and district level officers so they can better integrate climate and disaster risk into road management and maintenance.

Partnerships and coordination

The project was implemented by the World Bank with key government counterpart institutions including the Ministry of Works.  Activities are also coordinated with other relevant national and local actors, including Social Investment Fund and Ministry of Natural Resources.