INDIAN CREEK, Toledo District, Thurs. Apr. 22, 2021– In collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government (MRT), and the National Village Council Organization (NAVCO), the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics initiated field trips to key villages in the Toledo District that will be implementing new energy systems with assistance from international development partners.
This comes as a part of an initiative that pioneers the introduction of electricity to those that once lacked access to energy systems. It is supported by the European Union-funded Technical Assistance Project that is helping to increase the capacity of the energy sector in Belize. Through this EU-funded project, funding opportunities and technical assistance in the setup of systems will be provided to aid remote communities in Belize that are too far away from the national grid, which makes it unprofitable for a commercial provider of electricity to set up a connection.
During this field trip, the delegation met with key stakeholders from the villages of Corazon Creek, Mabil Ha, Santa Teresa, San Vicente, Jalacte and San Jose, and additionally visited the village of Indian Creek that implemented the mini-grid project known as the “emPOWERing Rural Electrification Project” or the “emPOWER Project”. The latter project was started using grant funds offered from the United Arab Emirates-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE CREF). During their visit, the delegation concentrated on using energy services efficiently for agro-processing industries, eco-tourism, business services, irrigation and refrigeration.
The Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics will begin regular follow-up initiatives countrywide to establish and support a national energy framework for communities that were not previously on the energy grid. By doing so, the ministry intends to provide universal access to energy services for citizens, businesses, and government administrations regardless of their geo-location.