Machakilha Celebrates First-Ever Potable Water System with Inauguration of Solar-Powered Project

Machakilha, one of the most remote villages in southern Belize, marked a significant milestone last week with the inauguration of a new water system aimed at improving the living conditions for its residents. The village now, for the first time ever, has a source of potable water. The project involved the digging of a 200-foot well and the installation of a solar-powered submersible pump. Additionally, two additional tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 liters, were installed, tripling the village’s storage capacity. At the ceremony, Minister of Rural Transformation, Oscar Requena elaborated on the new system being a game changer for the community. 

Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation: “You have a very important opportunity here that we have achieved together as a community with our partners. You have a beautiful water system, our Ministry of Rural Transformation together with Unicef have invested significant, a lot of money in this community. What did we do ? We provided pipes so that we could expand the water system to every single home. That’s what we have done. We have drilled a new well. We have installed a new solar system with a submersible pump all operated by solar. We have also ensured that the well that you have there provides enough water and I’m happy to say to you that well is producing over 100 gallons of water per minute. You heard what I said ? 100 gallons of water per minute. So that is going to fill that tank very quickly so that the water can go into your homes and you can have safe water. I’m of the firm belief just like the others who are here that it does not matter where you live in this country whether you live in Xaibe in Corozal or wether you live in Machakilha or you live in Arenal in the Cayo district we are all Belizeans and we are all entitled to the same basic services that all Belizeans deserve that is why we have a government.” 

The achievement is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Rural Transformation, the Republic of Korea and UNICEF through their Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. Dr. Angella Baitwabusa, Health Program Officer for UNICEF Belize spoke about the key elements that brought the project together. 

Members from the Ministry noted that the solar powered solution is both sustainable and eco-friendly.