By Government Press Office | BELIZE
BELMOPAN, Belize – The ministry of rural transformation, community development, labour and local government in partnership with the Belize Social Investment Fund (SIF) and Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) held an inauguration ceremony for the water supply project in Crique Jute Village, Toledo District.
The project was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Belize (GOB) with execution by SIF. This investment of just over BZ$1.2 million has provided for the availability and supply of safe water, considerably reducing the occurrence of waterborne and communicable diseases in the community, and improving the quality of life for around 300 residents in the village.
The community will now have safe, potable water to meet their daily water needs within the household. The provision of healthy water in rural communities supports the Government of Belize in achieving Goal 6 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which intends to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” Additionally, this project supports Target 6.1 of the UN SDGs, which seeks to “achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.”
The scope of work included the installation of three miles of distribution pipes as well as funds to cover the costs of 92 water meter connections. The pumping system, chlorination system, backup power supply through a generator and solar system were also installed to ensure adequate water pressure. Electrical services were provided by Belize Electricity Limited.
The project also included the construction of a concrete pumphouse, which houses the electrical controls for the pumping and chlorination systems, the construction of a security fence, landscaping and an ASME-certified hydro-pneumatic water storage tank facility.
The funding also included the supply of spare parts as well as a computer system for the purpose of meter tracking and billing. Prior to the completion of the water project, villagers utilized rainwater as well as the river and creeks and the three-hand pumps in the community.
