Chairman defends WASA privatisation

While residents of Sandhill were taking pride in their water, many Belizeans have been fearful of WASA’s plans for privatisation. WASA’s chairman, Ray Lightburn, says that the country’s growth requires major private investment.

Ray Lightburn, Chairman, WASA

“Well, one of the reason for seeking a strategic partner in privatisation is to continue to expand. For example, in this case we got a loan in which government guaranteed and which we’re paying back from the customer base. One of the reasons is that the original system, components of WASA basically only served Belize City. As you know only part of Belize City has a sewer disposal system, so it takes big money… it will take about forty to fifty million dollars to continue putting down a proper sewer system in Belize and we need somebody that has that kind of capital.”

Speaking of capital, the Sandhill project cost two point four million dollars and benefits over two hundred households. On Thursday a similar ceremony will be held in Hattieville.