The Mauritian government is racing against time to complete a water pipe project aimed at supplying an additional 14 million liters of water to the island's distribution network. Public Utilities Minister Patrick Assirvaden has given the Central Water Authority, the state body responsible for managing the island's water supply, a tight deadline of 10 days to finish the new pipe between Tamarin Falls and La Marie. The original target was November 25, but Assirvaden brought it forward due to critically low reservoir levels.
The water scarcity issue in Mauritius is a pressing concern, with the country no longer able to rely solely on rainfall and reservoirs to meet its water needs. To address this, the Central Water Authority will order 10 more containerized pressure filters, which can extract water from rivers, treat it, and push it directly into the network. These machines will add to the 15 units already ordered for Rs 350 million, with a total of 75 units expected to be operational across the country within weeks.
The poverty rate in Mauritius is a significant concern, with 130,000 Mauritians living in poverty, according to National Solidarity Minister Ashok Subron. Poverty in Mauritius is not just about financial struggles, but also encompasses cramped housing, inadequate schooling, and limited opportunities for young people. Subron linked these conditions to the unrest that occurred in October, emphasizing the need for the government to address the root causes of poverty and provide support to those in need.
In other news, the board of the National Transport Corporation (CNT) is questioning the perks given to its former director general, Harvin Soonarane, who received a two-month salary bonus and a car loan without the board's approval. The board has sent a memo to the public service ministry, seeking clarification on the matter. The issue highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state-owned enterprises.
SBM Group, one of Mauritius' largest banking groups, has reported a 23.1% increase in profit before tax for the first nine months of 2026, driven by business growth and cost control measures. The bank's lending income remained robust despite the central bank's decision to raise interest rates. The result reflects the bank's efforts to maintain its financial performance in a challenging economic environment.
Power cuts have affected several regions in Mauritius over the weekend due to grid maintenance by the electricity board. In other news, five suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the murder of Selven Iyempermal, as the investigation continues. Additionally, a 49-year-old man, Didier Papillon, died in a fatal crash at Grand-Port.
The government of Mauritius is planning to invest Rs 2.3 billion in blue economy projects, including fish farming and port upgrades, to harness the economic potential of the ocean. Meanwhile, the UN food chief has warned that 34 million Sudanese, almost two-thirds of the population, require humanitarian aid due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has set a 10-day deadline to complete a new water pipe project aimed at supplying an additional 14 million liters of water to the island's distribution network.
- 130,000 Mauritians are living in poverty, according to National Solidarity Minister Ashok Subron.
- SBM Group has reported a 23.1% increase in profit before tax for the first nine months of 2026.
