Continous rain for the past week has worsened the condition of the road from Orange Walk Town to San Estevan and Progresso Village.  Pictures sent to us by residents of the area show several portions of the road under water and in some parts thick sticky mud that makes it even more difficult for vehicles to pass. 

This morning some buses could not make it through and commuters had to cross on trucks and other heavy machinery. 

Last month the high ranking officials from the Ministry of Works, the CEO included, met with residents of the area in Progresso to explain why the work on the road had stalled.  According to the CEO Errol Gentle they were waiting for money to be disbursed to the two contractors, Lopez Co. Ltd and Bella Vista Co. Ltd,  for work to restart in the area.

The rehabilitation of the approximately 15 mile long road is part of the sugar accompanying measures financed by the European Union.  The only work that has been done in the area in 18 months is the opening of drainage and elevation of the road in some sectors of the road.  

Residents have continuously expressed frustration with the delay of the work on the road as hundred of commuters use the road on a daily basis.  The road also connects Orange Walk Town to major fishing villages of Xunox, Copper Bank, and Sarteneja.