Photo: Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development

ORANGE WALK, Fri. Oct. 28, 2022

Bathymetric studies conducted at the New River have led to the possible discovery of a freshwater cenote submerged inside that waterway. The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management has been actively working to address issues affecting the health of the New River, and studies are currently being conducted to determine the best course of action to optimize the condition of the river.

Sustainable Development Minister, Hon. Orlando Habet said that while one of the studies was being carried out, a freshwater cenote that at one point may have been above the ground was found at the bottom of the river. These sinkholes, found especially in this part of the world, are usually permanent sources of fresh water.

“If it is a freshwater cenote, very important, because we can get divers to go down there, take samples, and if there is a constant sufficient flow of fresh water coming from there, it could be a potential source for good clear fresh water for Orange Walk Town and the surrounding communities,” Minister Habet said.

A cenote is a natural well or sinkhole typically found in Central America that is created when the collapse of surface limestone exposes fresh groundwater in the chamber.

“More than likely at some point in time, possibly that was up on the surface and is now down the river,” Minister Habet said.