Sandhill inaugurates new water system
It seems that every week we hear news of another remote rural community inaugurating a village water system. But not all the people needing water live far from the city. News 5’s Jose Sanchez found one suburb just now hooking up.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Children drinking pipe water is not an unusual sight, but this faucet is the very first one in the village of Sandhill. Area Representative, Maxwell Samuels is proud to finally bring water to the people.
Maxwell Samuels, Area Rep., Belize Rural North
“This part of the country is on what is called the coastal plane. When it rains, the water is quite good, but when you really need the water in the dry season, it becomes brackish because of seepage from the sea. So it’s been a problem for all these years and since I’ve been on the scene, I’ve been seeking to provide water. I tried the wells first, but those did not work too well because of the same reason. So I pressed on my government for the inclusion of Sandhill in the development project where water is concerned. So today we have a reality of the provision of good water for the village of Sandhill.”
Oswin Blease, Chairman, Sandhill Village Council
“For many years we were denied this vital resource. Imagine Sandhill, the water is processed right here in the village and supplied to Ladyville, Lord’s Bank and Belize City and we were denied access to it. So definitely you know that this moment for us is a joyful one.”
Marconi Leal, Villager
“During the dry season the wells, not only in my yard, but around the area, the wells would dry up. Sometimes you would have to go to the ponds and you use your vat too, but your vat become dry at times too.”
Oswin Blease
“Right now the employees of WASA are visiting homes in the village and people are applying for the water connection. Some of them are paying already and as soon as probably the next couple days they’ll be hooking up to the water system.”
Jose Sanchez
“Getting connected to the water and Sewerage Authority is not the only new feature to Sandhill, villagers can expect their first water bill in March. Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
