The Mauritian Ministry of Energy and Public Services has initiated an examination of water consumption by large private sector players, including smart cities, upscale residential developments, shopping centers, and other economic activities that have experienced significant growth in recent years. This move comes as the country faces a deficit in rainfall, putting pressure on its water resources. The review aims to ensure that these major consumers have fulfilled their commitments to develop their own water infrastructure.
Over the past decade, Mauritius has undergone significant economic and real estate transformations, with the emergence of smart cities, large shopping centers, and new residential projects. These developments have led to an increase in water demand, further straining the Central Water Authority (CWA). The current situation is exacerbated by a prolonged dry season and deficient rainfall. To mitigate this, some large projects were required to develop their own water infrastructure, including boreholes, wells, and service reservoirs.
However, it has been observed that some operators have not fully met their commitments to water supply and storage. Certain large consumers continue to rely heavily on the CWA network without having developed the necessary infrastructure. A similar case was reported last year, involving a major hotel group that was criticized for its water consumption and dependence on the public network. The authorities are now taking a closer look at these issues.
The government is determined to prioritize the needs of citizens over those of large operators that have not respected their initial commitments. The Ministry aims to verify whether operators have fulfilled their obligations to develop their own water infrastructure, such as boreholes, wells, and service reservoirs. This examination will help identify which projects had made commitments to autonomy or storage capacity and to what extent these consumers remain dependent on the public network.
The water situation in Mauritius is becoming increasingly concerning, with the filling rate of the country's largest reservoir, Mare-aux-Vacoas, expected to drop to 20% by the end of November if rainfall does not improve. Currently, the reservoir stands at 38.5%. Other reservoirs, such as La Ferme and La Nicolière, are at 43% and 44%, respectively. The Water Resources Commission warns that if rainfall does not increase, the CWA may no longer be able to draw water from Mare-aux-Vacoas.
In response to the crisis, the government is considering implementing stricter measures, including possible reductions in water supply to operators that have not met their obligations. The message to large economic players is clear: they must develop their own water infrastructure to reduce their dependence on the public network. The authorities stress that every cubic meter of water counts in the current situation.
The authorities' actions aim to ensure a fair distribution of water resources, prioritizing the needs of citizens. The review of water consumption by large private sector players is part of a broader effort to address the water scarcity issue in Mauritius. The government urges operators to take immediate action to fulfill their commitments and reduce their reliance on the public network.
Key points
- The Mauritian government is scrutinizing water usage by major private sector players to ensure they have fulfilled their commitments to develop their own water infrastructure.
- The country's water situation is critical, with the largest reservoir expected to drop to 20% capacity by the end of November if rainfall does not improve.
- The government may consider reducing water supply to operators that have not met their obligations to develop their own water infrastructure.
