The water crisis in Mauritius has taken a new turn with revelations that Minister Patrick Assirvaden renegotiated a deal with Medine, a major sugar estate, allowing the company to retain control of four boreholes. The deal, signed in June 2024, was meant to provide water to Medine's Smart City project and surrounding villages. However, Medine failed to meet its obligations, and the agreement expired on August 19, 2024.
According to documents, Medine had authorized the Central Water Authority (CWA) to operate four boreholes and install pipelines on its land to supply water to Palma, Pierrefonds, and Beaux-Songes. The CWA had also been granted a 99-year lease on six arpents of Medine's land for a symbolic rent of Rs 100 per year. Despite this, Assirvaden allowed Medine to continue pumping water from the CWA's supply, sparking criticism that he prioritized the company's interests over those of the population.
Assirvaden's decision to renegotiate the deal has raised questions about his intentions. He claimed to have "retrieved" four boreholes from Medine, but only one, located in Beaux-Songes, is currently operational. The minister attributed the delay to bureaucratic processes, but opposition parties argue that he should have acted sooner to address the water crisis.
The controversy has also implicated Prakash Maunthrooa, the former CEO of the CWA, who signed the original agreement with Medine. Maunthrooa's successor, Chandrasen Matadeen, remains at the CWA and often accompanies Assirvaden on site visits. Critics argue that Assirvaden's close relationship with Maunthrooa and Matadeen has compromised his ability to make impartial decisions.
Medine's use of subsidized water from the CWA has also raised eyebrows. The company has been using treated water from the CWA for its projects since 2020, despite Assirvaden's claims that he was working to reduce the company's reliance on the CWA's supply. The minister's explanations have failed to convince critics, who argue that he has prioritized Medine's interests over those of the population.
The water crisis in Mauritius has significant implications for the population, particularly in the western regions. The CWA has struggled to meet demand, and the crisis has been exacerbated by the Medine deal. Assirvaden's handling of the situation has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the country's water resources.
The controversy has also highlighted the need for greater oversight of the CWA and the management of the country's water resources. The opposition has called for an investigation into the Medine deal and Assirvaden's role in it. The government has yet to respond to these calls, but the issue is likely to remain a contentious one in the coming weeks.
Key points
- Medine's borehole deal with the CWA has expired, but the company retains control of four boreholes.
- Assirvaden's renegotiation of the deal has been criticized as too little, too late.
- The controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Mauritius' water resources.
