The Belizean Cabinet has authorized a transformative wastewater management initiative for the island community of Caye Caulker, marking a pivotal advancement in public health and environmental conservation. Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) will spearhead this critical infrastructure project, which aims to replace the island’s outdated and inefficient septic tanks with a comprehensive modern sanitation system.
Ervin Flores, Resident Consultant Engineer at BWS, revealed that this ambitious undertaking has been under development for approximately five years through collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). “While residents currently benefit from BWS’s potable water services,” Flores explained, “the absence of a proper wastewater collection and treatment system remains a significant deficiency affecting both community welfare and the delicate marine ecosystem.”
Extensive preparatory work including feasibility studies, alternative analyses, and detailed engineering designs has culminated in a fully conceived system that will service both residential and commercial properties across the island. The recently approved $10 million USD loan arrangement, which requires final ratification by Belize’s House of Representatives, will enable the implementation of this comprehensive wastewater solution through a sovereign-guarantee agreement with the IDB.
This infrastructure modernization represents a substantial investment in sustainable development for Caye Caulker, addressing long-standing environmental concerns while establishing foundational systems for the island’s future growth and ecological preservation.