BWS Raises Concern Over Growing Theft of Water Meters

The theft of water meters is becoming an increasing concern for Belize Water Services Limited. The company says a number of meters have been removed from homes and businesses, leaving some customers without service while arrangements are made for replacements. Belize District Operations Manager Roberto Toriz says the issue is troubling, as the meters are a key part of the company’s operations and help monitor water usage throughout the distribution system.

Roberto Toriz, Operations Manager, Belize District, BWS: “We have been receiving a lot of reports lately of some of our customer meters that are being stolen here in Belize district and also in the Corozal district. Back in December we had the same issue where we were getting our meters stolen. It stopped but it seems that it’s starting again. It started back in June of this year it started here in Belize City from June to September. So right now we have estimated a total of 18 meters that have been stolen and in Corozal just from yesterday to today we have 11 meters that have been stolen. Our meters are made out of copper which is sold to for scraps or can be sold for scraps. I’m not sure the total value that they can get out of it but it does cause an issue for us because the meter, the whole meter mechanism itself is expensive. Roughly one of them costs about 300, approximately 300 dollars and whenever it is, well stolen we have to go and replace it back for the customer, which causes an expense to the company. It’s hard to say because since it’s two different locations, like I mentioned Corozal and Belize City.”

BWS says replacing stolen meters requires time and resources, while crews must work quickly to restore service to affected customers. The company is also reminding the public that tampering with or removing water meters is an offence. Customers have an important role to play by reporting suspicious activity and helping to safeguard the meters serving their properties. BWS says it continues to engage the relevant authorities and work with customers in an effort to address the issue. Chief Operations Officer Sanjay Keshwani says the company is committed to working closely with the appropriate agencies to ensure reports of stolen meters are dealt with promptly.

Paul Wade, Assistant Customer Service, Belize District: “One of the things that you have to reference is that when meters are stolen it does affect the customer where they are out of water for a substantial amount of time, especially if it happens late at night, early in the morning. While we are at 24 hour company it does take us resources to get out there and try to make those repairs. So that’s why we need to make sure that these persons or the customers are alerted of these persons so that they can be vigilant because it’s not only just  not having water because of somebody stealing your meter. I mean, that’s what we’ve come to. So we have to make sure that we’re on top of it and make sure that we’re able to support our customers as quickly as possible.”

BWS is encouraging members of the public to report any suspicious activity involving water meters, as the company works to reduce further incidents and minimise disruptions to customers