Minister Pushes for Bigger Budget to Expand Low-Income Housing Program

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing Julius Espat is calling for an increase in his ministry’s budget, citing the transformative impact of the government’s low-income housing program on communities across the country. Espat made the appeal during a recent budget debate, where he emphasized the urgent need to expand the program to meet growing demand. 

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing: “We are doing miracles, Prime Minister. We are doing miracles with $5 million dollars a year. And publicly again for the fifth year…..”

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “Member: ….the UDP every year $8 million…..”

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing: “Yeah Prime Minister but I’m not a UDP. “

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “But point is how much……”

Julius Espat, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing: “Prime Minister we are humbly requesting on behalf of the people of Belize that the $5 million dollars budget be incremented so that we can better serve our needy people. Prime Minister I’m not asking for a hundred, or fifty, I’m not asking for twenty, I’m not asking for fifteen million, I’m not even asking for twelve million. Prime Minister all I’m asking for is $10 million dollars. Prime Minister you cut from who you want including me but whenever you make that decision think of that lady in Orange Walk Central that cried on your shoulder and how you, Prime Minister, through me saved that lady’s life. You made her life better.”

Since its launch, the low-income housing initiative has provided hundreds of Belizean families with affordable, quality homes. Espat believes that with additional funding, the program can reach thousands more.