Corazon Creek Gets 24-Hour Solar Electrification  

On Monday, the village of Corazon Creek in Toledo celebrated the launch of its brand-new off-grid solar system with an official ceremony. This cutting-edge setup features advanced solar photovoltaic panels, a control room equipped with inverters, a generator, and a battery bank system. This project stems from an agreement made last September between the Ministry of Energy and Corazon Creek Village. Funded by the German-based CDW Foundation, this initiative saw the installation of the generation unit and the wiring of homes. News Five’s Marion Ali reports on this exciting new step towards solar electrification.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Corazon Creek Village in Toledo is now enjoying round-the-clock electricity, all thanks to a state-of-the-art Off-grid Solar System funded by the German-based CDW Foundation. Jose Urbina, the C.E.O. in the Ministry of Energy, highlighted that the government recognizes the importance of bringing electricity to rural areas to boost economic growth and drive other advancements.

 

Jose Urbina, C.E.O., Ministry of Energy

“Our government has recognized the need to extend reliable energy access to rural communities directly impacting economic opportunities, education and quality of life. As a team, we have been able to overcome challenges traditionally associated with rural electrification, such as geographic isolation, high infrastructure cost and low population density. I must say from earlier discussion with the chairman, sixty-five homes, a population of approximately three hundred and sixty-five persons have been impacted. But it’s important to also mentioned as our Honorable Minister mentioned, that Corazon Creek is the hub. Approximately, if I recall the number correctly, fifteen other communities come to Corazon for educational purposes.”

 

The CDW Foundation’s work in Belize began in 2016, when it supported the first solar off-grid system in La Gracia Village in Cayo. The organization’s Managing Director, Sarah Link, explained that the work has only expanded.

 

Sarah Link, Managing Director, CDW Foundation

“By the end of 2023, an additional thirty households had applied to be connected to the solar system, prompting an expansion of that system earlier this year to support the growing energy demand. It is therefore with great anticipation that we are here today to witness the inauguration of the second solar system. I very much look forward to seeing the impact of reliable access to electricity on the daily life in the village, and the opportunities it will bring to Corazon Creek and the surrounding communities. Back in 2021, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Belize Electricity Limited had recognized the strong need of the community for reliable access to energy, especially given the high school, which already currently serves over four hundred students. Both had recommended that the second solar system be installed right here in Corazon Creek.”

 

The new solar system now powers Corazon Creek Village and its surrounding areas, but it wasn’t an easy journey. The Ministry of Public Utilities had to reach a consensus and finally signed an agreement with the village on September seventh, 2023, setting the stage for this electrification project. Together with Belize Electricity Limited and Solar Energy Solutions Belize, the ministry installed the solar power unit, built the distribution network, and wired the homes. Dr. Osmond Martinez, the Area Representative for Toledo East, emphasized that electrification is a crucial step towards lifting people out of poverty by creating more opportunities for his constituents.

 

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Area Representative, Toledo East

“The kids who are attending primary school and high school will no longer be deprived from having access to energy whenever they want to do their homework or study at night. What electricity brings is a package. It’s a package because then you can bring telephone, internet, even industrial development, manufacturing, you know, but without electricity, we won’t be able to do that. I am so glad whenever we see this type of transformation. This is a transformation. This is people’s transformation. This is a nonpolitical transformation. This is what a government should be doing for its people.”

 

Marion Ali for News Five.