By Aaron Humes: The recent government announcement regarding a ban on moving fully pre-fabricated houses has sparked significant debate within the construction and transport communities across Belize. Ron Plett, the owner of Plett’s Home Builders, has publicly voiced his concerns about this decision, arguing that it is an overreaction rather than a solution to road safety issues.
With over 25 years of experience in the house-moving business and more than 3,000 successful relocations to date, Plett asserts that safety measures have always been a top priority. He emphasized that his company has consistently complied with the laws of Belize and has implemented extensive safety protocols, including the use of well-lit escort vehicles, flood lighting on houses, and strobes on all corners, to ensure a secure moving process.
“We feel this new ban is very severe, and likely an overreaction. Every life is priceless, and we must implement new policies that will bring better road safety. However, the fatality rate for house moving in Belize is approximately 1 death for every 15 years, which is unacceptable but still very low when compared to any other form of road use,” he stated. Plett highlighted a tragic incident from December 18, where a reckless driving accident involving an allegedly intoxicated driver resulted in fatalities, yet maintained that the fault did not lie with the house being moved but rather with the driver’s negligence.
The implications of this new ban extend beyond safety concerns, affecting the broader economy of Belize. According to Plett, halting prefab house moves could potentially hinder housing affordability and cripple an essential sector of industrial construction, making it harder for families to secure homes.
As a counterproposal, Plett has suggested a series of enforceable policies aimed at improving safety rather than outright banning the practice. His recommendations include moving oversized loads only during night hours with appropriate lighting, utilizing fully escorted vehicles, and ensuring that all moving equipment is equipped with ample alert and visibility enhancements.
“The moving of houses, when conducted with planning and proper lighting, can be just as safe as any other day-to-day traffic,” Plett insisted. “We believe the government should reconsider this ban and instead focus on practical solutions to enhance safety. Many other countries manage to do this effectively.”
The post House industry in Belize faces up to transport ban amid safety concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The recent government announcement regarding a ban on moving fully pre-fabricated houses has sparked significant debate within the construction and transport communities across Belize. Ron Plett, the owner of Plett’s Home Builders, has publicly voiced his concerns about this decision, arguing that it is an overreaction rather than a solution to road
The post House industry in Belize faces up to transport ban amid safety concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
