Around 200 families residing in the village of Le Morne, specifically in Dilo Pourri, are once again confronted with water distribution issues. Despite previous attempts to address the problem in 2008, aided by Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC), Quatre-Bornes Lions Club, and the Mouvement Autosuffisance Alimentaire (Food Self-sufficiency Movement), the situation remains unresolved.
Sheila Beeharee, the president of the local community organisation, has told Le Mauricien newspaper that water has not flowed for four consecutive days, causing difficulties despite previous efforts to improve the situation.
In 2008, a significant investment of Rs 13 million was overseen by four committees, facilitating the connection of this particular area of Le Morne to a drinking water distribution network sourced from the Baie-du-Cap river. The water underwent pumping, filtration, and chlorination processes.
“However, presently, the taps run dry almost daily, and when water does flow, it is murky. Concerns over potential health risks have led some residents, especially children, to refrain from consuming the water,” said Sheila Beeharee.
Éric Mangar, who supervised the project in 2009, recalls that its primary focus was to cater to the inhabitants of Le Morne. He suggested that the expansion of the drinking water distribution network to other regions should have been delayed. Mangar placed the responsibility for managing this issue squarely on the Central Water Authority (CWA).
Jackie Montocchio, the President of Le Morne village, was cited as claiming that she has notified the CWA and made a formal request for the provision of water tank trucks to the families in dire need.
“All our appeals have fallen on deaf ears, with the same families consistently receiving assistance.”
Montocchio emphasised the urgency of finding a solution, given the disconcerting colour and occasional murkiness of the water following rainfall.
Last year, over 200 people had protested in Le Morne against similar insufficient water supply. This demonstration had sparked a visit by senior officials the CWA. They held a meeting with the residents to explain that the biggest problem in the region concerned locations that are difficult to access for the CWA.
Source: Le Mauricien
