Rural Electrification Push Targets Southern Belize Communities

Plans to bring electricity to more rural and indigenous communities in southern Belize were discussed today at an information meeting in Punta Gorda.  Residents, community leaders and other stakeholders gathered at the Social Security Board Building to hear about the Government’s Rural Electrification Programme. Representatives from government, the Inter-American Development Bank and Belize Electricity Limited outlined plans to reach communities without electricity and improve service in areas where access remains limited.

The meeting follows Cabinet’s endorsement this week of a financing arrangement allowing government to spend up to nine point four million Belize dollars upfront on the programme, with reimbursement through the IDB loan.  Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports Michel Chebat told participants that electricity is essential to national development. He described the programme as an investment in rural communities and the opportunities available to the people who live there.

Michel Chebat, Minister of National Security and Ports: “The IDB’s continued partnership and confidence in Belize’s development priorities enable us to deliver meaningful improvements to the communities that have waited for decades. So we extend our gratitude to the IDB for supporting Belize’s vision of universal, equitable, and sustainable electricity access. It is a great pleasure to be here as we celebrate this important milestone in the continued development of our rural communities, particularly those here in the Toledo District. Rural electrification remains a priority for the ministry because we recognize that access to electricity is more than simply providing power. It is about empowering people. When we bring reliable electricity to our villages we give them the opportunity to improve an existing business or to start a new one. We give young people the tools to learn. We provide families with greater comfort and security. We give the communities the ability to communicate, produce, preserve, innovate, and connect with the rest of Belize and the world.”

The programme is being supported by the Inter-American Development Bank. Its Country Representative, Karla González Carvajal, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening Belize’s infrastructure and ensuring that communities across the country benefit from development.

“Without communities, these types of projects cannot see the light. We can go to Washington to approve the project. We can be here launching the project, but if the community doesn’t do their part, when we execute the project there is no possibility for the project to success. The IDB approved this loan in September 16. The program represents a total of $24 million and aims to provide electricity access to approximately 3,000 rural households by 2031. That means that today we are launching the program and we should be here on 2031 closing the loan. So I really look forward for a very expedited execution.”

Minister of Economic Transformation Doctor Osmond Martinez also addressed the meeting. He stressed the importance of hearing from residents before implementation begins, saying community input will help guide the project.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of Economic Development: “Today is about opportunity. It is about dignity. It is about ensuring that where Belizean families live never limits what they can achieve. For generations, our rural and indigenous communities from the Toledo district to the too far stretches of our country have been the backbone of Belize. You sustain our agriculture sector. safeguard our natural environment, preserve our rich culture, heritage, and anchor our national identity. Yet, despite these massive contributions to many families, still face structural barriers that hold back their economic potential. One of the heaviest barriers is simply not having reliable and modern electricity. As we present the details of the Rural Electrification Program today, we are taking concrete steps towards changing that reality. The Rural Electrification Program represents a US$23.75 million investment in our people of Toledo.”

The consultations will help identify community priorities as planning continues. Beyond bringing power to homes, the programme is expected to support schools, healthcare services, farming and small businesses, giving more rural residents access to reliable electricity.