Residents of Rodrigues Unite for Water Supply Protest

On Saturday, August 17, residents of Mont-Limon, Deux-Goyages, and Champs organized a peaceful demonstration in Rodrigues to raise awareness about a pressing issue: the chronic shortage of water in their communities. The demonstrators emphasized that their protest is not politically motivated; rather, their primary goal is to draw the authorities’ attention to the inadequate water supply affecting their daily lives.

According to residents, water has not flowed from their taps for nearly four months.

In order to access potable water, they must travel long distances, often utilizing makeshift methods to transport it back to their homes.

One participant lamented, “Rodrigues residents cannot afford to hire a water truck that costs Rs 3000.

If only the tap would run at least once a month, we would be relieved. To make matters worse, it hasn’t rained in Rodrigues recently, which means we are unable to collect rainwater for storage.”

Another protester voiced the struggles faced by many women in the community: “It is not enjoyable for us to stand on the streets holding signs.

We have no choice—the taps are dry. We cannot do laundry, cook, or even wash ourselves. We are living through a real nightmare right now.”

One woman, holding a sign that read “Eau Secours” (Water Help), articulated her frustration:

“We are suffering greatly. We have no resources. How can we go to work? How can our children go to school if there is no water? How can we prepare food?”

The protestors further expressed their outrage over the uneven distribution of potable water across Rodrigues, pointing out that only certain areas are receiving adequate supply.

While authorities claimed that water production has increased, the residents of Rodrigues continued to experience a severe shortage of clean drinking water.

The demonstration underscored a growing frustration among the populace as they face an ongoing crisis impacting their health and daily lives.

Source: Le Mauricien