Probe International - Privy Council to hear case on Chalillo dam

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Update

Privy Council hear case on Chalillo dam, Dec. 3-4: Government repeal offending Hydro Act

On December 3 4, highest court Commonwealth will hear case brought environmental groups business owners against Belize government's approval Chalillo dam. government accused giving green light to the project despite lack important information about the dam foundations (see Geology below), ancient Maya sites would flooded, impacts project on endangered species, including jaguar, tapir, unique subspecies scarlet macaw numbering fewer than 200 Belize.

The case comes amid government shenanigans including a last-minute plan repeal an unconstitutional Hydro-electricity Act passed earlier year purports make dam legal "notwithstanding" what any court says. hearing August, the Privy Council signalled its intent strike down law, saying Belize's Attorney General should "under illusions" about seriousness such law.

At same time, government racing ahead change country's Constitution, order remove Privy Council its highest court. Constitution requires three-quarters vote House, 90-day waiting period-thus, making too late stop appeal against dam approval. A Caribbean Court Appeals will replace Privy Council, though not clear when will take place, what recourse Belizeans will have against strong-arming government in meanwhile.

Geology: Dam site problems delay construction-dangers ahead

While construction on Chalillo dam began May, has not gotten far – aside destroying forests the site – because serious failure correctly analyse the dam site geology. Three major problems have arisen:

1. Contractors have not found any granite site,

which needed an ingredient make into concrete for

dam construction. Permits have been requested to

quarry new site further away – delaying construction

and raising costs.

2. Drilling site has revealed water flowing

underground – may due extensive underground

cave systems fractures surface rock. any case,

means dam likely leak into underground rivers.

3. A gaping hole 60 feet deep opened up dam site.