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Drought-hit Mauritius imposes drastic water cuts as from 28 December

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Drought-hit Mauritius imposes drastic water cuts as from 28 December

As the country faces “extreme drought conditions”, authorities have announced “extreme water distribution measures”.

After a crisis meeting held on Tuesday, the Water Resources Monitoring Committee has brought major changes to the water distribution schedules.

As from this Wednesday, 28 December, water will flow down the tap only for six to ten hours. 

  • North: 4am-7am and 4pm-7pm
  • East: 6am-10am and 6pm-10pm
  • South: 5am-10am and 5pm-8pm
  • West: 5am-8am and 5pm-8pm
  • Centre: 4am-7am and 4pm-7pm
  • Port Louis: 4am-8am and 4pm-8pm

The Central Water Authority hasurged the population to use “the minimum amount of water possible”.

As of Tuesday 27 December, Mauritius’ water stocks had dropped to an alarming 35% – it was 65% on the same date last year.

La Ferme reservoir is only at 25%, Midlands Dam is at around 30% and Bagatelle Dam is around 35% full.

“The water in the reservoirs will become unusable once the 15% mark is crossed because of the water quality at that level,” the CWA warned.

Fine of Rs50,000

According to the Central Water Authority (Dry Season) Regulations 2022, “No person shall, without reasonable excuse, use any water for domestic purpose or water supply for non-domestic purpose through a hosepipe, sprinkler or any similar apparatus in any wasteful manner.”

Any person who contravenes these regulations will have committed an offence and will, on conviction be liable, in the case of a domestic consumer, to a fine of up to Rs 50,000 and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

According to the Meteorological Services, rain is not expected before mid-January.

The water situation is also getting worse in Rodrigues. The Social Security Commission, on Tuesday 27 December, started distributing bottled water to pensioners, invalids, orphans and widows.

Some 4,000 18-litre bottles and 18,000 1.5-litre packs were distributed to 44 villages. The residents of 18 other villages will receive water bottles this Wednesday 28 December.

Source: Defi Media, Le Mauricien

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The information and opinions expressed in our published works are those of authors/sources believed to be reliable. NewsMoris makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information expressed.