Improving the Lives of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management officially launched a project to assist the western communities of Billy White, Los Tambos, Santa Familia, Duck Run One and Two. These communities will benefit from improved infrastructure under the “Building Climate Change Resilience and Social Integration of Displaced People in Settlements of Western Belize” Project.  The project is one of two selected from among seventy to receive funding through the European Union’s Lives in Dignity Grant Facility.

Orlando Habet

Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

“The project proposes to build and equip a polyclinic, upgrade the current potable water systems in these three communities, rehabilitate and rebuild the hurricane shelters and community centers in five communities, to build a drainage system for two communities, equip all settlements with fire-fighting and management and providing training in areas that will build their capacities and improve their resilience.”

Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz

Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, Head of Cooperation, E.U. Delegation to Belize

“I believe this grant will be a life-changer for three communities where displaced people have lived for more than thirty years without the most basic access to education, to water and sanitation, to access to health services. We all know very well that life in settlements is particularly difficult when those services are not provided or not sufficient. It is a source of inequality and fair treatment and is basis for exposure to injustice, disease and insecurity. The European Union, in partnership with the Government of Belize and with I.O.M., will contribute to correct these inequalities in order that those identified communities are not left behind and that empower to better contribute to the socio-economic development of Belize.”