In a decision that has sparked significant debate, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a 13.5% increase in average water rates, set to take effect in the new year. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, who argue that the government is unfairly passing the costs of corporate inefficiencies and expansion directly to consumers. Area Representative Lee Mark Chang voiced his concerns during a recent House meeting, questioning the necessity of the hike given that Belize Water Services (BWS) has remained profitable over the past decade without rate adjustments since 2015. Chang highlighted a significant increase in management and staff costs, which he claims are being unjustly shouldered by Belizean families. Public Utilities Minister Michel Chebat, however, defended the decision, emphasizing that the actual impact on monthly bills will be closer to 5.5%. Chebat argued that the rate increase is essential for improving water and wastewater systems, particularly in key tourism hubs like San Pedro, Hopkins, and Placencia. He also pointed to a $130 million investment in expanding water services nationwide, aimed at meeting the growing demands of the population. While the government frames the hike as a necessary step for infrastructure development, critics view it as an additional financial burden on already strained households.