Business Mauritius, the island nation's leading business organization, is sounding the alarm on the country's water shortages, urging a collective response from both the public and private sectors. According to Kevin Ramkaloan, CEO of Business Mauritius, the current situation affects not only households but also businesses, with far-reaching consequences for daily life, economic activity, and employment. He emphasizes that a national mobilization is necessary to address this crisis.
Business Mauritius has been actively engaged on water-related issues for several years, particularly with its partner, the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture, focusing on agriculture, agro-industry, and food security. The organization recognizes that a reliable water supply is crucial not only for these sectors but also for tourism and manufacturing. Ramkaloan notes that the difficulties are widespread, impacting both households and businesses, and stresses that a coordinated response is essential.
To address the water crisis, Business Mauritius has submitted proposals for better resource management in its 2026-2027 budget memorandum. These suggestions include reducing network losses, improving efficiency, establishing clearer governance, and creating a framework for structured public and private investments while maintaining public control over the resource. Additionally, the organization recommends setting up a joint public-private committee dedicated to water issues to enhance coordination and monitor priority actions.
Ramkaloan explains that the private sector can contribute in various ways, such as improving water management in their operations, mobilizing employees, and providing expertise and investment in sustainable solutions. In the short term, companies can identify and repair internal leaks, reduce avoidable water usage, and educate employees on best practices at work and at home. Business Mauritius is preparing tools to support this mobilization, drawing lessons from experiences like Cape Town's.
The CEO of Business Mauritius emphasizes that urgent collective action is necessary to address immediate needs while strengthening long-term water security. He stresses that the risks of shortages are well-known and must be better anticipated with adapted infrastructure, reliable information, and robust coordination mechanisms in place before the situation becomes critical. Ramkaloan calls for a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of water shortages.
The Mauritian government has been investing in water infrastructure projects, including the modernization of the La Nicolière water treatment station and the development of new water treatment plants. The Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) for 2023-2024 includes several projects aimed at improving water supply and treatment. Furthermore, the government is exploring alternative financing options, including private sector participation, to implement public projects.
Business Mauritius and the government are working together to address the water crisis, with a focus on both short-term solutions and long-term strategies. The organization is committed to supporting the government's efforts and contributing to the development of sustainable solutions to ensure a reliable water supply for the island nation. Key investments in the water sector have been outlined, including Rs 98 million in estimates for 2023/24 to 2025/26.
Key points
- Business Mauritius calls for a coordinated public and private sector effort to address water shortages.
- The organization proposes measures to improve water management, including reducing network losses and establishing a joint public-private committee.
- The private sector can contribute by improving water management in operations, mobilizing employees, and providing expertise and investment in sustainable solutions.
