Chunox Village Says Goodbye to Dirty Drinking Water

On Tuesday, we shared the exciting news about a new water system in Guinea Grass Village. Continuing the government’s mission to provide clean, potable water to all Belizeans, the Ministry of Rural Transformation and its partners have now unveiled a new water system in Chunox, Corozal. Before this, the village relied on a single, unfiltered pump for their water needs. Now, with this state-of-the-art system, residents will enjoy 24/7 access to clean water. Clean water is essential for health and well-being, and this new system is a significant step forward. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with more details.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Residents of Chunox Village are overjoyed as they celebrate the arrival of a newly renovated water system. This marks a new era where clean, safe water is no longer a luxury but a guaranteed necessity in every household. Deputy Village Chairman, Eliomar Santiya, praised this significant development, highlighting its importance for the community’s health and well-being.

 

Eliomar Santoya, Deputy Chairman, Chunox Village

“For years, our community has been faced tremendous challenges in our water supplies. Under previous administration, under thirteen years of unsafe, unreliable, and inadequate water for our daily needs.  This hardship has deeply affected our Chunoxeños, young and old, everyone in our community. Today, with a breath of sight of relief.  As our community has a success and access to purified and safe drinking water, this project ensures better, Help for all families in our community, strengthen the foundation of our community and guarantee brighter future for our children.”

 

The project kicked off in April 2023, with a budget of nine hundred thousand US dollars. The CARICOM Development Fund provided the funding, and over half a million dollars went into buying and installing the reverse osmosis system. Carlos Tun, the Executive Director of the Belize Social Investment Fund, shares more about this important development.

 

Carlos Tun, Executive Director, B.S.F.

“ The project’s goal was clear, to provide a safe and reliable water supply for domestic and productive purposes. Earlier this year, we celebrated the San Antonio water system. Tomorrow, we will mark the achievement in Georgeville. But today, it’s about this village and the transformative water system we are inaugurating right here. In Chunox, the scope of work carried out included, One, the installation of water measuring and control devices. The installation of new pumping system and chlorinators upgrades to the electrical systems and most significantly the installation of a reverse osmosis water purification system. Now, many of us here have had the opportunity to drink this water and let me say it is good drinking water, clean, safe and refreshing.”

 

According to Corozal Southeast Area Representative, Florencio Marin Jr, the water system is just one of many investments made for the betterment of the community.

 

Florencio Marin Jr., Area Rep., Corozal Southeast

“Chunox is the most heavily invested village in Corozal Southeast. Chunox got the NHI system that has significantly improved healthcare in this village and the surrounding areas. Chunox now have free education at St. Viator.  Thanks to these people of the United Party Government.  And, now, Chunox has the most modern water system in the country. And perhaps the cleanest, most healthy water for the country that I believe. I’m very proud to be the area rep.  I’m grateful to the Ministry of Rural Transformation.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five Live.