Mauritius Accelerates Water Link Project Amid Drought

The Mauritian government has instructed the Central Water Authority (CWA) to accelerate the connection of Tamarin Falls to La Marie within 10 days. This move aims to inject an additional 14 million litres of water into the distribution network as the country faces a prolonged drought. The initial target for completion was 25 November, but Public Utilities Minister Patrick Assirvaden has brought forward the deadline.

Three CWA teams are currently deployed at the site to expedite the connection. Minister Assirvaden emphasized the urgency of the project, stating that the teams must complete the work within the revised 10-day timeline. The interconnection is part of a broader strategy to link various reservoirs in Mauritius, enabling authorities to transfer water between regions based on local needs and available reserves.

To further diversify water supply sources, the CWA will order 10 new Containerised Pressure Filters (CPFs). These will supplement 15 units already ordered at a cost of Rs 350 million. The goal is to have 75 CPFs operational across the country, which can pump water from rivers, treat it, and inject it directly into the distribution network.

Minister Assirvaden stressed the need for a comprehensive overhaul of water management in Mauritius. He warned that the nation can no longer rely primarily on rainfall and reservoir levels due to prolonged droughts. The minister highlighted significant network losses, reportedly reaching 63 per cent, and emphasized that fixing leaks must be a top government priority.

The water crisis has sparked tensions between the government and suppliers over the Water Tank Scheme. Several operators are demanding an upward revision of the Rs 15,000 subsidy granted under the scheme, with some halting new orders. Minister Assirvaden criticized the stance of these operators, asserting that the industry has sufficient capacity to meet public demand.

The matter has been referred to multiple bodies for investigation, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, and the Competition Commission. A technical committee within the Ministry of Public Utilities will assess whether the suppliers' demands for a higher subsidy are justified. The government is seeking to ensure that the industry prioritizes the well-being of the population during this crisis.

The accelerated water link project and measures to address network losses and diversify supply sources are critical to mitigating the impact of the drought in Mauritius. The government's efforts aim to ensure a more resilient water management system, addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Key points

• The Mauritian government has ordered a 10-day sprint to link Tamarin Falls to La Marie, aiming to add 14 million litres of water to the distribution network.