There will be light in some dark corners of rural Toledo starting with the village of San Benito Poite. - which has signed a consent agreement with BEL to commence a Mini-Grid Electrification project.
It's the gateway to a rural electrification project and a release from BEL says, "This milestone marks a significant step towards ensuring that every household in San Benito Poite is electrified…."
A big signing ceremony was held over the weekend - and here's what they main speakers and to say:
Deshawn Garbutt, BEL Engineer
"Today marks a significant milestone in our collaborative effort towards sustainable development. Belize Electricity Limited is honored to be a part of this historic moment today, which marked the signing of the consent agreement between the government of Belize and the village of San Benito Poite."
"This signifies more than just a partnership. It symbolizes the shared vision of sustainable energy solutions. Access to electricity is not a luxury. It is a fundamental right that empowers community."
"It improves the quality, accessibility and reliability of services that is crucial for development."
Jose Urbina, CEO Ministry of Public Utilities
"And while it's a significant achievement, we must also acknowledge that it's just the start. As BEL said, it formalizes the beginning of their part of the journey."
"But I must add, it formalizes the beginning of the entire project and the responsibility of executing the project while it's BEL's. And I would also add the ministry. I think the villagers, the community of this village also play a very important role in executing the project."
"I want to highlight that this is about teamwork. Yes, the government of Belize is here to guide the process. We have our sponsors bringing solutions. We have our minister tirelessly fighting or defending and asking for more for these rural communities."
"But we also need to highlight that the village must also play an active role in developing. Not only in seeing, but also in being flexible in terms of the works that need to be carried out. If the contractors need assistance, we should come together as a community to provide that assistance also."
In 2022 the European Union signed an agreement with BEL for a grant of 4.5 million Euros and a BEL contribution of half a million Euros to fund a Rural Electrification Project for five remote villages in Belize.
