The Mauritius government has announced a new measure to help families manage water shortages by providing two free water tanks and a pump to each family. The decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting on October 9. The initiative aims to support families in managing their domestic water reserves effectively. The program will be open to all families in Mauritius and Rodrigues, with no income criteria applied.
According to the plan, each family will receive two water tanks, one with a capacity of 1,000 liters and the other with a capacity of 500 liters, along with a domestic pump. Tenants and homeowners are eligible for the program, but applicants must not already have water tanks at their residence. The Central Water Authority (CWA) will verify that applicants do not have existing water tanks before issuing a purchase voucher.
The government has allocated a voucher worth Rs 15,000 from the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM) to cover the costs of the tanks and pump. However, suppliers have expressed concerns that the voucher amount may not be sufficient to cover the total cost of the equipment and installation. Eco Tank, a supplier, estimates that the total cost could be around Rs 25,400, which is Rs 10,400 more than the voucher value.
Eco Tank has highlighted additional costs such as taxes, delivery, and increased production costs, which may affect suppliers' profitability and the quality of the equipment. The company has suggested that the voucher amount should be revised to between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 to ensure that suppliers can provide the necessary equipment without incurring significant losses.
Despite concerns about the voucher amount, Eco Tank has assured that there are sufficient stocks of water tanks and pumps to meet the demand. The company is confident that the participation of multiple suppliers will help to ensure a smooth distribution process. To benefit from the program, families must register with the DBM and provide documentation to verify that they do not already have water tanks.
Once registered, the CWA will conduct an inspection to verify the applicant's eligibility. After verification, a purchase voucher will be issued, and the beneficiary can purchase the equipment from a hardware store of their choice. The program aims to support families in managing their water reserves effectively, particularly during times of water scarcity.
The initiative is part of the government's efforts to address water shortages in Mauritius. By providing free water tanks and pumps, the government hopes to help families reduce their reliance on external water sources and manage their water reserves more efficiently. The program is expected to benefit families across Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Key points
- The Mauritius government will provide two free water tanks and a pump to each family to help manage water shortages.
- The program will be open to all families in Mauritius and Rodrigues, with no income criteria applied.
- Suppliers have expressed concerns that the voucher amount may not be sufficient to cover the total cost of the equipment and installation.
