Project Overview
OVERVIEW
In Belize, there are two water service providers - Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) and Village Water Boards (VWBs) – which service urban and rural areas respectively. Factors that limit the performance and sustainability of the VWBs and the Rudimentary Water Systems that they manage include:
• Absence of meters, particularly in areas with original Rudimentary Water Systems that were not yet upgraded.
• Overconsumption and misuse of water by villagers.
• Weak management capacity of the VWBs.
• Billing based on a flat rate (approximately US$5 or BZE$10 for unlimited usage) that does not differentiate between heavy and other consumers; and does not factor in initial capital investment or true operating cost.
• High energy cost from the 24-hour operation of pumps.
• Discontent among users with billing system, which may be increasing reluctance to settle bills. For example, it is estimated that farmers use more than 50% of the village water storage capacity but are still charged based on the flat rate.
• Low collections and high delinquency.
• Financial instability of the VWBs and increasing inability to maintain and/or replace aging infrastructure.
• Water contamination and, therefore, poor water quality due to inadequate treatment facilities.
The project is aimed at improving the Rudimentary Water Systems that serve approximately 907 households in 4 areas - Chunox, Corazol District; Mahogany Heights, Belize District; Georgeville, Cayo District; and San Juan, Stann Creek – and includes:
• Supply and installation of water measuring and control devices.
• Supply and installation of water pumps, valves, and purification systems.
• Capacity building of VWBs.
• Sensitization of villagers on sustainable water consumption.
