The Mauritius government has announced an expansion of its Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to include households without existing water tanks. This move aims to help residents better manage water distribution restrictions during periods of low rainfall. The program, initially budgeted at Rs 175 million for the 2026-2027 period, targets assistance for around 11,000 households.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to Rs 15,000 per household. This includes up to Rs 10,000 for water tanks, Rs 4,000 for domestic pumps, and up to Rs 1,000 for connections and accessories. Previously, eligibility was restricted to households with a monthly income of Rs 60,000 or less. The government has now lifted this income cap, making the program more inclusive.
The decision to expand the program comes as Mauritius faces severe water shortages. As of October 8, the average water level in major reservoirs was around 57.1%, significantly lower than the 87.4% recorded during the same period in 2025. The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir was at 35.7%, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
In addition to expanding the grant scheme, the government has announced several measures to increase water availability. These include new boreholes, enhanced water transfers to La-Marie, additional filtration units, and increased use of water tankers. These initiatives aim to alleviate the pressure on existing water reserves.
The Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme is administered by the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM). Interested households can apply through the DBM's official website or contact the bank directly for more information. The DBM has branches across the island, including Port-Louis, Curepipe, and Rodrigues.
While the water tank grant scheme can help households manage water supply disruptions, it does not address the underlying issue of water scarcity. Residents are advised to use this assistance to store water when available and manage during periods of restricted distribution. For issues related to water distribution, residents can contact the Central Water Authority hotline at 170 or 601 5000.
To ensure smooth implementation, applicants are advised to verify the updated eligibility criteria and application process with the DBM before submitting their applications. The DBM's contact number is 203 3600, and its head office is located at La Chaussée, Port-Louis.
Key points
- The Mauritius government has expanded its Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to help households cope with water shortages.
- The program provides up to Rs 15,000 per household for water tanks, pumps, and accessories.
- The expansion comes as Mauritius faces severe water shortages, with major reservoirs at 57.1% capacity.
