The Mauritian government has widened the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to include every household without a storage tank. This move aims to address the issue of taps running dry in various areas, particularly in Plaines-Wilhems. Households can now claim up to Rs 10,000 towards two tanks, one holding 1,000 litres, and an additional Rs 4,000 for a pump and up to Rs 1,000 for fittings. The grant is channelled through the Development Bank of Mauritius.
The decision to expand the scheme comes as the main reservoirs in Mauritius are experiencing low water levels. As of October 8, the reservoirs sat at 57.1%, down from 87.4% the previous year. The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir had dropped to 35.7%. To address the water shortage, nine boreholes are expected to be operational by the end of October, which will provide an additional 30,000 cubic metres of water. Furthermore, a pipe to the La Marie treatment plant will double its flow to 30,000 cubic metres a day.
The government has also taken steps to ensure a steady supply of water to affected areas. Fifteen containerised filters are expected to be delivered by late November. In the meantime, private tankers and the fire service will be responsible for hauling water to the driest streets. The subsidised tanks will only be beneficial if there is water to fill them, making the boreholes a crucial aspect of the plan.
In a related development, the Mauritius Bar Association has voted unanimously to request the government to slow down the National Crime Agency Bill. The bill aims to establish a new investigative body, the NCA. However, lawyers have expressed concerns over the agency's powers, independence, and safeguards. The association has called for wider debate and deeper consultation before the bill is passed.
The issue of water scarcity is not the only challenge facing Mauritius. The country is also experiencing economic pressures, with companies citing a surge in fuel, electricity, and raw input prices. This has resulted in a cost squeeze, particularly for small and medium enterprises. Unplanned power outages in Pereybere and La Marie have further exacerbated the situation.
In other news, a 22-year-old woman died in hospital in Rodrigues after suffering severe injuries. Her partner has informed police that the injuries were self-inflicted. The police are still investigating the incident and have not released the woman's identity.
Navi Pillay, a South African jurist, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in building international law and prosecuting war crimes and genocide. Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, dedicated the award to survivors of international crimes. The award has significance for the region, which has supplied both the courts and defendants in international crimes.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has expanded the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to households without storage tanks to address the issue of taps running dry in various areas.
- The main reservoirs in Mauritius are experiencing low water levels, with the current levels at 57.1%, down from 87.4% the previous year.
- Navi Pillay, a South African jurist, has won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in building international law and prosecuting war crimes and genocide.
