The water crisis in Mauritius continues to affect several regions, with residents experiencing persistent shortages despite the Central Water Authority's (CWA) efforts to distribute water through tanker trucks. The CWA has mobilized 31 tanker trucks to respond to the most critical situations, with 15 trucks serving the Upper Mare-aux-Vacoas and Lower Mare-aux-Vacoas sectors. However, residents report that taps remain dry, even on scheduled distribution days.
CWA Director General Shiam Thannoo acknowledged that the situation is not normal and that the authority is facing a crisis. He explained that the delays in intervention are due to logistical constraints, including the need for trucks to regularly return to La Marie to refill, which prolongs the response time to certain demands. The CWA has also mobilized five private trucks since the end of September to increase distribution capacity.
Despite the mobilization of additional tanker trucks, the problem of water supply persists in certain regions. Thannoo cited the example of Highlands, where low pressure in the network prevents water from reaching households normally, even when distribution is scheduled. He called for patience and understanding from the public, acknowledging that the situation remains difficult in other sectors.
The Water Tank and Pump Scheme has generated significant interest, with 37,830 requests recorded so far. Of these, 17,884 were submitted directly to the CWA, while 19,946 were submitted electronically. The CWA has conducted 21,683 inspections to verify the eligibility of applicants, with 9,267 deemed eligible for the scheme and 4,293 receiving subsidies from the Development Bank of Mauritius.
The CWA is also expecting an additional 14,000 cubic meters of water to be transferred to the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir from Mare-Longue, following the completion of connection works. The official commissioning of the connection is scheduled for October 29, after several weeks of testing and adaptation work. This operation aims to support Mare-aux-Vacoas, which supplies several regions facing supply difficulties.
The connection between Mare-Longue and Mare-aux-Vacoas involves the installation of a second pump at Mare-Longue to facilitate water transfer. According to Thannoo, this will enable the injection of between 10,000 and 14,000 cubic meters of water into the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir. The actual volume transferred and the effects on distribution will need to be evaluated after the commissioning of the installation.
The water crisis in Mauritius highlights the challenges faced by the CWA in meeting the demand for water in affected regions. While efforts are being made to increase distribution capacity and improve supply, the situation remains difficult for many residents. The CWA's initiatives, including the Water Tank and Pump Scheme and the connection between Mare-Longue and Mare-aux-Vacoas, aim to alleviate the crisis, but the impact of these measures remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Central Water Authority has mobilized 31 tanker trucks to respond to water supply challenges in affected regions of Mauritius.
- The Water Tank and Pump Scheme has received 37,830 requests, with 9,267 applicants deemed eligible for the scheme.
- An additional 14,000 cubic meters of water is expected to be transferred to the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir from Mare-Longue following the completion of connection works.
