The Central Water Authority (CWA) of Mauritius has stepped in to address concerns surrounding the government's water tank assistance program. Director General Shiam Thannoo has advised beneficiaries not to make any additional payments to suppliers beyond the Rs 15,000 voucher provided. This move comes after several families reported being asked to pay thousands of rupees extra to obtain the necessary equipment.
The Water Tank and Pump Scheme aims to provide low-income households with two water tanks, a pump, and accessories. The program offers a voucher of Rs 15,000 to help families purchase these essential items. However, some beneficiaries have claimed that the initial offer does not cover all the required equipment, and they are being asked to pay extra. One beneficiary reportedly had to pay an additional Rs 4,000 to receive the two tanks, pump, and fittings.
In response to these concerns, Thannoo has urged families to report any difficulties they encounter with suppliers to the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM), which is responsible for the program. A committee will be set up to examine the issues raised by beneficiaries, suppliers, and retailers. The DBM is expected to issue further communication on the matter after the committee's discussions.
The controversy surrounding the water tank program comes at a time when many households in Mauritius are struggling with water shortages. The program aims to help families store water during periods of drought or water outages. Beneficiaries are eager to know what equipment they can obtain, at what cost, and within what timeframe.
The Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities and the DBM have already taken steps to address the issue, announcing that they will refer the matter to the Competition Commission. The authorities suspect that some suppliers may have engaged in anti-competitive practices, including concerted efforts to increase prices despite prior agreements.
The CWA's advice to beneficiaries is to refrain from making any additional payments until further notice. Families who have already been asked to pay extra are being encouraged to report their experiences to the DBM. The DBM's forthcoming communication is expected to clarify the obligations of approved suppliers, any fees excluded from the program, and solutions for families who have already made extra payments.
The water tank program is a vital initiative for many low-income households in Mauritius. The CWA's intervention aims to ensure that beneficiaries receive the necessary equipment without incurring additional costs. The DBM's review of the program will help to resolve the issues and ensure that the scheme operates smoothly and transparently.
Key points
- CWA advises beneficiaries not to pay extra fees beyond Rs 15,000 voucher
- Committee to examine issues raised by beneficiaries, suppliers, and retailers
- DBM to issue further communication on the matter after committee's discussions
