There was no road from the interior to Placencia until 1984.[1] Then a couple of gravel roads were cobbled together until a road went all the way to Settlement 195. The old road actually veered down to the shrimp farm and then it went straight into Settlement 213. Just before Settlement 213 there was a t-junction where one turned off for Placencia. The road from Santa Cruz to Riversdale was called Riversdale Road at the time.[2]
Sometime before 1994 the road in Placencia Village was paved as can be evidenced in an article online and on old satellite imagery.[3]
For decades, Settlement 195 remained largely inaccessible. Reaching it was an arduous journey, involving bumpy rides on dirt tracks and even boat trips during the rainy season. This isolation, while preserving the area's natural charm, also hindered its economic potential.
The dream of a proper road to Settlement 195 flickered for years. In the 1980s, the government secured funding from the European Union, but bureaucratic hurdles and unforeseen circumstances stalled the project. There was great disappointment, but the local communities remained hopeful.
In the early 2000s, a renewed spirit of collaboration emerged. Local residents, hoteliers, and businesses joined forces to lobby the Central Government of Belize. This collective voice proved instrumental. They lobbied the government, secured additional funding, and actively participated in the planning process.[4]
In December 2006, the Caribbean Development Bank approved a $25.2 million loan for the upgrade and paving of the road.[5]
On July 11, 2008, four ministers including the Prime Minister Dean Barrow met at Robert's Grove and signed a contract with CISCO Construction for the upgrading of 24 miles of road, consisting of the entire length of the Placencia Road.[5][6]
The road paving was completed and inaugurated on February 16, 2012. The inauguration was held in Settlement 288, where they also inaugurated a new community centre for the community.[7]
In 2018, the section of road running through Settlement 195 was repaved.[8]