Challenging Factors Impacting Water Supply as Year-End Approaches

In a recent episode of “Au Cœur de l’Info,” journalist Anoop Dhookeeya discussed the alarming state of water supply in the upcoming months with Fadil Bhowarkan, Principal Engineer at the Central Water Authority (CWA). The conversation took place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, on Radio Plus and TéléPlus.

Bhowarkan revealed that water supply challenges are expected to intensify as the year progresses. In July 2024, rainfall levels reached a mere 36% of what is considered normal, and current reservoir levels are reported to be 10% lower compared to the same time last year.

He noted that, despite experiencing heavy rains earlier in the year, July 2024 has now been recorded as one of the driest months in history.

Bhowarkan emphasized that the CWA has implemented necessary measures through a comprehensive preparation plan.

“This situation is not new; we have observed this trend over the last decade. The CWA is taking appropriate actions.

In 2022, the driest year recorded, we initiated over forty projects. We managed to ensure water distribution to everyone, even with decreased production.

The situation in 2024 could mirror what we faced in 2022. The next few months will clarify this,” he stated.

The CWA is actively tapping into new boreholes across the country and utilizing additional river sources to enhance water supply.

“Many regions will be more resilient, but this heavily depends on the severity of the drought,” Bhowarkan added.

He also advised Mauritians to use water storage tanks as a proactive measure to mitigate the impacts of water shortages.

Lomush Juggoo, the director of the Water Resources Unit (WRU), shared that the reservoirs are currently at an average of 76.6% capacity, which is 10% lower than the previous two years.

He explained that both reservoir levels and river flow rates are contingent upon rainfall. “We have observed an extreme rainfall deficit in July, with only 36% of the normal levels recorded, and 56% in August 2024.

Forecasts suggest that this deficit will continue for the remainder of the year. We are also noting a downward trend in groundwater levels…

We must manage our existing water stock wisely… Immediate actions are necessary to navigate through this challenging situation,” he warned.

Kreepalloo Sunghoon, secretary of the Small Planters Association, highlighted the impact of water shortages on agricultural practices.

He noted that when water becomes scarce, some farmers choose to stop production altogether, while others continue but face additional costs for water delivery via truck and labor for irrigation.

A segment of farmers has opted to reduce their cultivated areas, although some still have access to river water.

Sunghoon emphasized that real estate developments and economic growth have further strained available water resources for farmers, who are often the last to receive water supplies during shortages, trailing behind households, hotels, and factories.

“We are already feeling the effects of this dry spell,” Sunghoon expressed. “We need to rethink the agricultural sector to adapt to these conditions,” he concluded.

As the country is facing these water supply challenges, the discussions between experts underlined the urgent need for strategic planning and community awareness to cope with the looming water scarcity.

Source: Defi Media