In response to mounting public apprehension regarding drinking water safety and wastewater management, Belize Water Services (BWS) has launched a comprehensive transparency initiative by granting media access to its critical treatment facilities. This unprecedented move comes directly after the Statistical Institute of Belize’s MICS7 survey revealed concerning data about the nation’s water infrastructure.
Chief Operations Officer Sanjay Kashwani personally guided journalists through two pivotal operations: the Belmopan Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Double Run Water Treatment Plant in Sandhill. The tour aimed to demonstrate BWS’s operational protocols and quality control measures amidst growing citizen concerns about wastewater leakage in Belmopan and drinking water safety nationwide.
The utility company addressed specific infrastructure challenges, particularly highlighting the aging pipeline system in Belmopan. Constructed in the 1970s using asbestos cement materials, these pipelines were not designed to support modern urban development. Recent incidents, including pipe damage caused by foreign embassies, have exacerbated system vulnerabilities. Repairing a single section in the Bullfrog area required a $300,000 investment with extensive construction efforts.
Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich joined the inspection, acknowledging resident complaints about sewer odors near the Bullfrog Lift Station. The mayor explained how collapsed infrastructure had necessitated manual wastewater removal using trucks to prevent environmental contamination.
BWS managers provided detailed technical explanations of their treatment processes. Wastewater undergoes a 37-day purification cycle through four specialized ponds, progressing from anaerobic bacterial treatment to final UV disinfection before being safely returned to the Belize River. For drinking water, engineers demonstrated the complete treatment chain from raw water intake through flocculation, filtration, and disinfection stages.
The utility’s laboratory technicians showcased daily testing protocols that monitor chlorine levels and contaminant presence to ensure compliance with national standards. District Manager Reina Gonzalez emphasized the company’s commitment to customer health and safety, noting significant infrastructure investments including $10 million in plant upgrades pre-COVID and millions more in pumping station improvements.
BWS has announced additional network upgrades scheduled for next year across both water and wastewater systems, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining modern, reliable water services for all Belizeans.