Mould Infestation at Lower Courts Disrupts Operations; Staff Demand Immediate Action

A serious mould infestation at the Lower Courts building in Belize City has led to health issues among staff, forcing employees to take drastic action in demanding a permanent solution. Workers have reported suffering from kidney problems, migraines, and chest pains, all of which they attribute to prolonged exposure to the mould.

One worker told News Five, “We currently have a mole problem, and our staff, everybody, complain about the same issue. Kidney, migraine, chest pain. So, we just decided that we will just walk out and make them decide what they need to do because people get sick. When we don’t come to work, we become short of staff. Everybody has to pick up each other’s work and stuff. So, they need to figure it out.”

Despite repeated complaints, they say no effective measures have been taken to resolve the problem. “They have said that they’re trying to work on it, but it’s nothing so far. So, we just decide as a staff that we need to take action to make them decide what they will do now. Don’t give us no small solutions. We need a big solution to fix the problem right away.”

According to the employee, the mould infestation has significantly impacted daily court operations, which handle criminal, civil, and traffic matters and collect government revenue.

With court staff unable to work in the building, public services have been disrupted, creating delays and inefficiencies in the judicial system. “If we don’t work, how will the public get assistance? How will the government collect its funds?” the employee questioned.

The staff, estimated at around 30 to 40 employees, has now reached a breaking point, insisting that authorities take immediate and decisive action. They warn that failing to address the problem could further affect court operations, delaying justice and services for the public.