Chalillo Dam, Gravity dam near San Ignacio, Belize
Chalillo Dam is a gravity dam that crosses the Macal River south of San Ignacio in the Maya Mountains. The structure holds back water in a reservoir to generate electricity for the surrounding region.
Construction took place between 2002 and 2005 by a Chinese company after the project faced significant debate and legal challenges in Belize. The dam was completed despite opposition related to environmental concerns and land rights questions.
The dam's location in the Maya Mountains intersects with archaeological sites and traditional territories of indigenous communities in western Belize.
The dam releases water during dry periods and stores it during rainy seasons to maintain steady power supply. Visitors should note that the location is remote and requires proper planning to reach from San Ignacio.
Geological studies revealed that the dam's foundation is made of sandstone and soft shales rather than granite as originally thought. This discovery surprised engineers and raised questions about the initial design assumptions.
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