In mid-September of last year, the Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a report detailing major concerns regarding water safety at the Kolbe Foundation Central Prison. Inspectors evaluated three distinct water sources on the compound and determined that only the water provided by Belize Water Services is safe for human consumption.
Well water tested at the facility revealed several harmful biological contaminants, including fecal coliform. This water was being used by prisoners for pre-preparation of food, including washing vegetables, meat, and other items. It was also used for bathing. Surely, the thought alone makes anyone cringe.
Principal Health Inspector John Bodden breaks down those findings.
Voice of: John Bodden, Principal Health Inspector, MOHW
"Now in that regards we have found that in terms of the biological components that we had some of the water, primarily the well water that was actually tested positive of fecal coliform and so with that we would not recommend that this would be water safe for use, and in terms of the chemicals there were many of them that were altered limits and so we were recommending that the water is not good for consumption which is we were reminded that this water is from the well and this is used for only hygienic purposes which is basically for flushing the toilets, washing and bathing and so. We had not much concerns about the well water initially because it was just for bathing, not withstanding that we still had a bit of caution expressed on the well water because of the high nitrous citrate it creates some level of irritation to the skin. So after that we had made some recommendations for them that there is adherence to the use of the water which we are totally in agreement with the BWS water should be for drinking and that is done for the inmates, staff and hospital and cooking with the exception of when they do the pre wash for vegetables which they use the well water."
When we spoke with the Acting CEO, Francis Woods, he told us that changes were made immediately after the report came out, and BWSL water rations for inmates were increased to 5 gallons of water for drinking, washing clothes, and bathing.
