The water crisis in Mauritius continues to escalate, with the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir currently standing at 35.9% capacity as of October 6. This marks a significant decline from the same period last year, when the reservoir was at 88.6%, representing a shortfall of approximately 13 million cubic meters of water. According to meteorological forecasts presented to authorities, substantial rainfall is not expected until the second half of December.
In response to the crisis, authorities are urging Mauritians to store water when it is available and avoid wastage. The Central Water Authority (CWA) has maintained restrictions and plans to reinforce water distributions in regions experiencing supply difficulties. To address the needs of families affected by water outages or low pressure, the CWA intends to mobilize around 35 water tankers daily, including larger capacity vehicles.
The CWA has also launched an appeal to private water tanker owners to enhance its distribution capacity. To qualify, vehicles must have a minimum capacity of five cubic meters and meet specific technical requirements. This move aims to augment the CWA's ability to deliver water to affected areas. Meanwhile, residents in several regions, including Paillote, Solférino, and Phoenix, have reported significant disruptions to their water supply.
Some inhabitants have experienced over three days without access to potable water, according to complaints relayed by Deputy Khushal Lobine. The situation poses daily challenges for households, particularly for cooking, hygiene, and cleaning. It also presents a significant challenge for businesses and enterprises that rely on a regular water supply.
To mitigate the crisis, the government plans to connect around a dozen boreholes to the network, which is expected to provide an additional 31,000 cubic meters of water by the end of October. Containerized filtration units will also be deployed to utilize surface water, with an anticipated additional capacity of approximately 33,000 cubic meters.
The CWA is encouraging households without existing reservoirs to take advantage of the Water Tank and Domestic Water Pump Grant Scheme. This initiative allows households to obtain a reservoir, pump, and accessories worth up to Rs 15,000. By supporting residents in their efforts to store water, authorities hope to alleviate some of the pressure on the water supply.
With the rainy season still a couple of months away, Mauritians must adopt a cautious approach to water usage. The authorities' proactive measures aim to ensure that the country navigates this challenging period with minimal disruptions. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and make the most of available water resources until the situation improves.
Key points
- The water crisis in Mauritius has led to significant disruptions in several regions, with some residents experiencing over three days without access to potable water.
- The government and CWA are taking steps to address the crisis, including mobilizing water tankers and connecting additional boreholes to the network.
- Authorities are urging residents to conserve water and take advantage of initiatives such as the Water Tank and Domestic Water Pump Grant Scheme.
