The Government of Belize has officially declared new municipal boundaries in Belize for seven towns. This update takes effect on April 1, 2025. The announcement, made by Minister Florencio Marin Jr., was published in the official Gazette. It impacts Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Benque Viejo, San Ignacio/Santa Elena, Orange Walk, Corozal, and San Pedro.
This change follows the Cabinet’s decision in July 2021 to resume the Municipal Boundaries Re-Delineation Exercise. That process originally began in 2012. The Department of Local Government completed it in the final quarter of the last fiscal year. The project included extensive consultations with town councils, area representatives, village councils, and the wider public.
These new municipal boundaries in Belize better reflect modern development and growth trends. They also support better municipal planning, local governance, and service delivery. Importantly, they preserve the recognized borders of surrounding villages, avoiding unnecessary disruptions to community identity.
Previously, town boundaries for many of these locations dated back to the 1980s and 1990s. Updating them was essential to align with the country’s expanding urban areas.
Residents and stakeholders can now access updated maps and details. These are available through official declarations in the Gazette and also electronically via local town councils or the Department of Local Government.
The Ministry of Rural Transformation expressed thanks to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Mining, and the Attorney General for their support throughout the process.
For more information, contact the Department of Local Government at 828-4287 or email clifford.king@labour.gov.bz. You may also call 670-2643 for direct assistance.
