Unitedville Families Say Water Trucks Are No Solution to Ongoing Crisis

Residents of Unitedville Village are voicing growing frustration over a water crisis that has left homes without potable water for weeks. Many say the problem has persisted for months, with dirty water and mounting bills despite dry taps.

“This foolishness with frigin water truck is not cutting it. That cannot continue to be. People need running water,” one resident stated. Another added, “For past months, it’s been ongoing we have no water, and school has to be cancelled for children due to water shortage.”

For now, water trucks continue distributing water to households to fill containers and vats, organised by the village Water Board. But this temporary ‘solution’ isn’t ideal. 

And the issue is not new. Unitedville has faced repeated water shortages dating back years, with similar complaints reported in 2021 by News Five.

Today, Area representative for Cayo South Julius Espat explained that while a secondary pump is currently drawing water from the river, the community’s growth has exceeded the existing reservoir’s capacity. Only one well is producing, despite 20 boreholes drilled to find a second supply.

“Definitely, there will be a need for another reservoir, and so we are working by phases,” Espat said, noting that a budget proposal for a new reservoir is expected. If approved in next year’s budget, construction could begin in March.

Meanwhile, Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Rural Transformation, confirmed that a burnt pump and motor are being replaced. “We hope to install it tomorrow. The burnt pump has already been extracted,” Shal said in a message to News Five.

Not everyone agrees with the complaints. One resident responded to postings on social media, stating, “Some of you guys really don’t have anything to do but complain! You all are aware we have a a water problem! You all aware it’s been happening for years! Try find solutions, buy a vat, get some drums, get some buckets!”

We were also told that some residents have to buy water to cook and go to the creek to bathe. 

Neither Espat or Shal could say when the issue will actually be resolved.