New Firefighting Equipment Arrives in Western Belize

The Government is enhancing wildfire protection for vulnerable communities by delivering over $320,000 in firefighting equipment to Billy White, Santa Familia, Duck Run 1 and 3, and Los Tambos. This initiative is part of the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” project.

Additionally, $300,000 was invested in upgrading the Los Tambos Primary School to meet hurricane shelter standards.

Launched in February 2022, this project, funded by a BZ$4,600,000 EU grant in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), aims to strengthen resilience in five Western Belize communities. Key components include constructing five hurricane shelters, a polyclinic, and improving water systems. The project also involves installing culverts and drainage in two communities.

Recent donations feature chainsaws, axes, and fire-resistant gear such as pants, gloves, boots, helmets, radios, and more to aid wildfire response. Given this year’s unprecedented fires, providing these essential tools is crucial.

The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and is set to conclude by December 2024, with a polyclinic and community centre in Duck Run 1 expected to serve over 5,000 residents by late 2024.