But the Council isn't only dealing with the sargassum - they're also facing a water shortage. Some residents have been turning on their taps but nothing comes out, while others have reported low water pressure. According to the chairlady, BWS did not anticipate the demand for the water, caused by the amount of people who are traveling on and off the island, but she says they're already working on a solution.
Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker
"Because it's the dry season and we have a number of visitors on the island, we've noticed that the plant is unable to keep up with the demand of the water. BWSL was here with us last week Friday having a meeting with key stakeholders, BTB, I believe BTIA, and the Village Council and we came up with some solutions where we had suggested that the water is turned off at different intervals so that the tank can build up in supply. We would prefer to have interval breaks rather than not having water at all especially coming into Easter and Lobster Fest so we've tried to compromise with the BWSL and they also reassured us that they're working on fixing the problem by the end of the year so again we will have to be able to partner up to find some solutions, so that's what we're doing."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you think they didn't anticipate the amount of people coming to the island around this time?"
Seleny Villanueva Pott, Chairlady, Caye Caulker
"I believe that was the problem. The two years to three years COVID where we didn't have anybody, where everything was dead, everybody wants to get out ow and travel a little bit so I believe that's the influx that we're seeing and of course we have also people that moved back to the island for work so all that demand is showing on not only water but also for electricity so that's where the utility companies need to be vigilant."
"Some areas, three floors, on the third level, people will say when they turn it on, there's no water at all. Second level are saying that they see a reduction in pressure, at different times people are saying when they turn it on, they can't get, some people say they're not getting at all, so I guess it just depends on what level you're on or which location you're on."
