1 week ago
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Belize Water Services is sounding the alarm over what it describes as a troubling increase in the unauthorized removal of water meters from residential properties across the country.
In a public notice issued to customers, the utility company is urging residents to remain vigilant and to routinely check their meter installations for signs of tampering. These include missing or damaged meters, disturbed surroundings, or unfamiliar individuals interfering with equipment. The company says the incidents are not only disrupting service to customers but are also raising broader concerns about the integrity and reliability of the national water supply system. Operations Manager Roberto Torres says the problem has already affected dozens of households, with certain areas seeing higher concentrations of cases.
Roberto Torres, Operations Manager: “Over the past week we have been receiving multiple reports of stolen meters in Corazal Town throughout our distribution system. My team is responsible to to repair these meters whenever we get the reports that these meters have been damaged but it’s very rare that we get the report that they’re being stolen and and the high increase of the stolen meters was very alarming throughout this last past week, especially over the Easter weekend. The reason that they take these meters is so that they could use the parts. They sell it to scraps. They try to take out the copper out of the meter. They usually try to sell it to different vendors. One of these meters costs about $250 but they’re not only taking the meter, they’re also taking the lock valve which is another $200. This piece of equipment is very pricey. In total, we’re looking at roughly like about $400, close to $500 for the entire meter installation. So far we have a total of 25 meters that have been stolen. So right now my guys are doing everything they can to try to find out who could be stealing or affecting us with these stolen meters.”
But beyond the inconvenience, there is also a financial impact to consider. Assistant Customer Service Manager Michelle Andrews explains that under normal circumstances, the responsibility for replacing missing meters falls on the customer. The company says it has reported the matter to the relevant authorities and is working closely with law enforcement as efforts continue to curb the incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
Michelle Andrews, Assistant Customer Service Manager: “So on the first instance we do not charge customers for stolen meters. On the second instance, we would evaluate the case and then we will come to a determination whether they will be charged or not. But as Mr. Torres mentioned that collectively, the cost for one of these meters, the meter and the lock valve is over $400. So it’s a huge loss to the company when one of these meters gets stolen. What we do is we have a hotline that a customer can call. It’s available 24/7. It’s 0800 255 5297. If a customer notices anyone maybe lurking around their area, tampering with the meter, they can always call this hotline. If they have cameras at their house and they notice that their meter have been stolen, they can call this hotline, they can forward us the footage we will engage the legal authorities to recover these devices or if further legal action has to be taken we will also ensure that happens as well. But we just want to alert the public to, you know, just pay mind to you know whatever utilities you have in your home just pay mind to the water meter outside. It’s a huge cost to the company and also we have water leaks if these meters are just ripped off. The water is just flowing, gallons are being wasted. So we just like to encourage the public just to be more vigilant as they’re monitoring their usage.”
BWS is encouraging customers to report any suspicious activity in their communities and to act quickly if they discover their meter has been removed or tampered with. Customers can contact the company at 222-4757 or 614-2975 to have their service restored as soon as possible./
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