The Mauritian government has announced an emergency plan to address the critical water situation in the country. The plan was unveiled during a Cabinet meeting on October 9, 2026, following a Crisis Committee meeting chaired by the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities. The country's water storage levels are alarmingly low, with main reservoirs standing at 57.1% compared to 87.4% in 2025.
The situation is particularly dire in the Upper Plaine Wilhems region, where the Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir has reached a critical level of 35.7%. To mitigate the shortage, the government has agreed to implement several emergency measures. Nine boreholes will be connected by the end of October 2026 to supply the Mare aux Vacoas Water Supply Zone with an additional 30,000m3 of water per day.
The government has also decided to abstract around 4,000m3 of water from Rivière Pétrin and Rivière Papayes to supply the La Marie Water Treatment Plant. Furthermore, the capacity of the existing pipeline from Mare Longue Reservoir to La Marie Water Treatment Plant will be increased from 15,000m3 to 30,000m3 per day. These measures aim to compensate for the deficit at Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir.
Additional measures include the operation of 15 containerized pressure filters procured by the Central Water Authority by the end of November 2026. The government has also enlisted the services of private water tanker providers and mobilized the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services to provide water in affected localities. A team of 10 Liaison Officers will be recruited to coordinate the deployment of water tankers in affected regions.
To support households in coping with the water shortage, the government has extended the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to all households that are not already equipped with water tanks. The scheme provides a grant of two tanks, one of which should be of 1000L capacity, a pump, and fittings up to Rs 1,000. This initiative aims to encourage households to store water adequately.
The government has also appointed Dr P. M. K. Soonarane as Director General, Public Utilities, on a contract basis to monitor the implementation of the emergency measures and develop medium-term and long-term solutions for the water sector. The Ministry of Finance will provide necessary financial support to mobilize resources to address the challenging water situation.
The emergency plan is a response to the critical water situation in Mauritius, which has been exacerbated by low rainfall and high consumption levels. The government's measures aim to alleviate the shortage and ensure that households and businesses have access to sufficient water supplies. The situation will continue to be monitored, and further measures will be implemented as necessary.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has announced an emergency plan to address the critical water situation in the country, with measures including the connection of nine boreholes and the abstraction of water from rivers.
- The Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme has been extended to all households that are not already equipped with water tanks to support households in coping with the water shortage.
- Dr P. M. K. Soonarane has been appointed as Director General, Public Utilities, to monitor the implementation of the emergency measures and develop long-term solutions for the water sector.
