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It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the municipal airstrip in Corozal Town was one of the country’s worst. That is because the 1800 feet of runway was riddled with potholes which caused a mishap late last year when a Maya Island plane air ran off the runway. That was one mishap too many and that is why $500,000 that was supposed to build an office for the Airports Authority was spent on rehabilitating, retrofitting, and resizing the airstrip. Work began on May 29th and it was officially reopened today. 7NEWS was there and Keith Swift has the details.

Keith Swift Reporting,
This morning the Ranchito airstrip was reopened to air traffic. Tourism Minister Manuel Heredia and Airports Authority Chairwoman Barbara Miller formally cut the ribbon. Heredia says GOB diverted funds to pay for the upgrade.

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Civil Aviation
“A million dollars that COCESNA had given to Belize and that was almost being wasted on an office that we didn’t need. So part of those funds were used for the airstrip and I feel that monies that we get, let’s spend it for the purpose that it was intended and not with fancy cars or other things that are useless to the infrastructure that they are better things to serve the Belizean people and the industry as a whole.”

Keith Swift,
Why was this a priority?

Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr.,
“This was a priority because it was in terrible state.”

The new runway is 400 feet longer than the previous one. It is made of hot mix asphalt concrete which is the industry standard. Both Tropic and Maya Island Air say the biggest advantage to them and by extension to you is increased safety.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, CEO – Maya Island Air
“Certainly the safety factor will definitely be a positive for the whole industry. Our pilot are delighted, it is a much longer runway, and higher standard so we’re very pleased with the runway.”

Keith Swift,
How big of a problem was the previous runway because we know one of your planes actually ran off it?

Dr. Louis Zabaneh,
“It was pretty bad and in this particular case we had a lot of potholes on the runway and it is dangerous for any plane landing.”

Dennis Sunderman, Tropic Air
“It was never a deterrent but it was something that needed improvement. We still had our six flights a day. We certainly are pleased with this development of this airstrip, particularly with the length now and the resurfacing which is going to make it a lot safer, better, all around and it shows the improvements that are going to be made in the airline industry which are needed so we’re really happy for it.”

And for Mayor Hilberto Campos, increased safety and increased air traffic will result in increased visitors and tourists to Corozal.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh,
“The airstrip is the key to tourists that will department from here to San Pedro and from San Pedro to Corozal. It comes right in time with the development project that we have with the Ministry of Tourism for the development of the area. We are planning to make it a major tourist destination and without a doubt this is going to help, this is necessary.”

At 2200 feet, the airstrip is smaller than the one in San Pedro. Civil Aviation Minister Manuel Heredia says they also plan to upgrade other municipal airstrips.