San Pedranos protest against increase in water rates

In San Pedro Town, residents took a stand today against the Public Utilities Commission’s initial decision to approve a ten point six increase in the cost of water rates beginning next year April. The protestors gathered at the Central Park to publicly register their objection and to sign a petition that will be submitted to the P.U.C. by December second. The Belize Water Services Limited has asked for a twenty-five percent rate increase to finance a ninety-two point five million dollar expansion plan. Organizer of the protest, Jorge Aldana, says it is not affordable.

Jorge Aldana, Organizer, Protest
“At this time, many Belizeans are going through unemployment and the rates of unemployment cannot lie and the increase in water rate can only add more burden to our families. Secondly the cost of living is too high and many families are living on minimum salaries. Thirdly, as you well know, the country is in a recession. Fourth, we are saying that water consumers should not be paying for expansion projects that B.W.S.L. want to implement. Fifth, the residents of Ambergris Caye are already paying in excess of twenty-two dollars per a thousand gallons of water as compared to other parts of the country that are paying less than nine dollars.”

Aldana says that if the P.U.C. does not consider the objections, they will demonstrate at the next meeting of the House of Representatives.