On October 9, Minister Patrick Assirvaden appeared on Radio Plus to discuss his plans for addressing the water crisis in Mauritius. He spent three hours reiterating his proposal for desalination, which he believes is the long-term solution to the island's water woes. However, his claims were met with skepticism by many, including Pradeep Soonarane, the newly appointed director general of public services. Soonarane, a former CEO of the Compagnie Nationale de transport (CNT), argued that desalination should only be considered as a last resort.
Assirvaden had been promoting his desalination plans, citing his visits to Morocco and meetings with Minister Nizar Baraka as inspiration. However, Soonarane countered that the situation in Rodrigues, which Assirvaden cited as an example, is different from Mauritius. He highlighted the high costs and environmental risks associated with desalination, suggesting that it may not be the best solution for the island. Instead, Soonarane emphasized the importance of exploring other options, including the use of existing water sources.
One such option is the use of a canal and river that could be used to supply water to Mare-aux-Vacoas. Assirvaden was unaware of the existence of these water sources, and Soonarane suggested that they could be used to alleviate the water shortage. This revelation raised questions about the thoroughness of the minister's research and the potential for alternative solutions. The Central Water Authority (CWA) and Water Resources Commission (WRC) will be informed of these new water sources.
The debate between Assirvaden and Soonarane also touched on the issue of water distribution. Assirvaden explained that the CWA does not close the valves, but rather, regions at high altitude do not receive water due to lack of pressure. However, he later announced that water would be supplied every other day, which seemed to contradict his earlier statement. The minister's explanations were met with skepticism, and many questions remain unanswered.
The Pipe Replacement Programme, which aims to upgrade the island's water infrastructure, was also discussed. Assirvaden stated that the works would begin in December, but his use of the word "suppose" raised concerns about the project's status. The programme had been put on hold due to a lack of funding, and it remains to be seen whether it will move forward.
Pradeep Soonarane's appointment as director general of public services has significant implications for the water sector in Mauritius. He will be responsible for overseeing the work of the CWA and WRC, and his expertise is expected to inform policy decisions. With his experience in the public sector, Soonarane is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the island's water management.
The appointment of Pradeep Soonarane as director general of public services has raised questions about the future of the water sector in Mauritius. With his opposition to desalination and emphasis on exploring alternative solutions, it is clear that he will play a key role in shaping the island's water policy. As the island continues to grapple with water shortages, the effectiveness of Assirvaden's plans and Soonarane's leadership will be closely watched.
Key points
- Pradeep Soonarane, the newly appointed director general of public services, has challenged Minister Patrick Assirvaden's plans for desalination.
