For the first time, Belize is hosting the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association's annual conference. It's a big step for the BWS, since Belize has been a member of the association for over a decade. And while the conference is set for October, today BWS held a media launch to bring more awareness. Courtney Menzies was there and has this story.
The Caribbean Water and Wastewater is the regional body for all things water, wastewater, and solid waste related. And for the first time, they're bringing their annual conference to Belize.
Candice Santana, President, CWWA:
"For over 3 decades, our annual conference has served as the region's premiere platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, innovation and capacity building. And this year, we are especially proud to mark a historic milestone. For the very first time, the CWWA conference will be held on the mainland of Central America, in the warm, resilient, vibrant, colorful nation of Belize."
Cornelio Acosta, Executive Chairman, BWS:
"It's a theme that goes far beyond technology or infrastructure, it speaks to the heart of regional unity and the belief that real, sustainable progress occurs when we work together across borders, across sector, and across disciplines. We are all too aware of the challenges facing our region, from climate extremes that are threatening our water supply and quality, the aging infrastructure that keep pressuring our system.The ongoing need for innovation, equity and resilience in our systems. These are shared challenges and they demand shared solutions."
Gilroy Usher Sr, Minister of Public Utilities:
"Through this conference, Belize will be at the center of dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among regional and international experts, policy makers, and industry leaders, this presents not only an opportunity but a responsibility for all of us to contribute ideas, shared experiences, and collective development, sustainable solutions that improve public health, protect our environment and drive regional development."
BWS' executive chairman explained why they decided to take on the challenge of hosting the conference.
Cornelio Acosta, Executive Chairman, BWS:
"I think over the past 3 years, we begun to get a little more involved. Also, I have a seat on the board of CWWA, a private sector director, and as a result of that, it was time to bring the conference to Belize. We've been attending to the different islands and we've seen their beauty and now it's time for us to expose what we have here in Belize. As well as to showcase what we do here as Belize Water Services and how our operations, the way we do things here, would also benefit the Caribbean."
Cornelio Acosta, Executive Chairman, BWS:
"Take for example the non revenue water. That is the unaccounted water loss that you do through either leaks or theft, illegal connections. I think Belize has the lowest NRW in the Caribbean, we're at 22% nationally."
"Aside from that we're 100% metered, our operation efficiency rate is at 99% so while we enjoy for the most part 24 hours service even when there is a blackout or no power, we still have water. There are some areas of the Caribbean that have a rotation in terms of the provision of water."
And what can participants expect? CWWA's executive director explained some of the highlights.
Laurayne Lucky, Executive Director, CWWA:
"first of all, non revenue water, something that I think the entire Caribbean is very aware of and it is something that plagues the region but not just the Caribbean, across the globe that is a major issue impacting the ability of water utility to provide safe and reliable services. Another key issue would be waster water management and how we are looking at providing improved waste water services to the region and looking at nature based approaches, in particular something that is very relevant to our region because we do have the natural resources, the land, the sunlight and the ability to use this to our benefit. We're also looking at how we communicate with our stakeholders which is an important part of moving from the current state we're in to improved services."
The conference will be held in San Pedro from October 20th to the 24th.
Last year's conference was held in Trinidad and Tobago.
