On Friday, February 1, the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Said Musa visited La Isla Cariñosa, Caye Caulker to part take in the official inauguration of the new water distribution system for the island.
Invocation was delivered by Mr. Edwardo Reyes, while the welcome address was given by Mr. Ralph Humes chairman of the Caye Caulker Village Council. Also delivering some speeches for the important event were: Mr. Norris Hall representative of BWS, Andrew Godoy from the BTIA, Patty Arceo former BRS Area Representative and PUP Standard Bearer, Mrs. Murlene “Mel” Spain.
The Prime Minister of Belize was the keynote speaker at the event. In his address at the ceremonies, he assured the residents that this was only the first phase of this project. The second phase would be next, to provide a proper sewerage system for the residents. Other guest speakers included Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) representative, Andrew Godoy. He expressed that the Association was proud to engage itself in this kind of integrative initiative which would benefit not only the residents but also the tourism-related businesses on the island.
The Government of Belize and Belize Water Service recently signed an Agreement for the implementation of a water distribution system for Caye Caulker. Utilizing the latest water treatment technology, BWS will be able to provide piped, high-quality potable water for the benefit of some 2,000 residents and the island’s tourism-related businesses. The project is estimated to cost over $2.5M, of which $1.75M is to be provided by the Government, and will include a reverse osmosis plant, a 100,000 gallon capacity water storage tank and a distribution network of 5.5 miles of water mains.
Caye Caulker is one of several major expansion projects for which BWS has begun preparatory work, as the company continues to expand its distribution network countrywide to those areas and cayes that do not have ready access to potable water. Other projects included San Pedro North and Chan Chen in Corozal for which water systems are expected to be implemented by mid year.
At present, BWS provides piped potable water to more than 190,000 persons countrywide, highlighting its commitment to provide quality and cost-effective water and wastewater services to all Belizeans. Since 2001, the company has invested approximately $34M in upgrading and refurbishing company assets, particularly the water supply and distribution system. Most of this investment has gone towards the installation of water mains and lines at a cost of approximately $19.1M. Water production, treatment and storage have accounted for more than $12.4M. With over 600 miles of water distribution pipes throughout Belize, BWS now supplies piped potable water to more than 42,000 premises.
The system which is the latest in water treatment technology will include a reverse osmosis plant, a 100,000 gallon capacity water storage tank and a distribution network of 5.5 miles of water mains. This is expected to be completed within the next the twelve (12) months. With the support of the government, BWS has forged ahead, setting high standards and meeting government aims of providing quality services to Belizeans. The Prime Minister also promised free computers to all Std. 4, 5 and 6 students of Caye Caulker and San Pedro.
