Water Crisis: CWA Secures 4 Million Cubic Metres from CEB

Mauritius is facing a severe water crisis, with the Central Water Authority (CWA) compelled to take drastic measures to secure this essential resource. Alarmingly, reservoir levels have fallen below 50% capacity, prompting urgent intervention.

In response to the escalating demands, the CWA has turned to the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to access additional water supplies from three crucial locations: the Sans-Souci dam, the Eau-Bleue reservoir, and the Champagne station.

This initiative is expected to provide a substantial 4 million cubic metres of water, serving as a critical support amid rising consumption.

The water situation in Mauritius has reached a tipping point, necessitating immediate action.

Insiders report that the CWA’s decision to tap into sources usually reserved for electricity generation has provided a glimmer of hope for strained officials.

“We aim to release 4 million cubic metres of water to meet urgent needs,” stated a source from the CEB.

This action could ease some of the mounting burdens faced by the CWA.

During a recent parliamentary discussion, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities Patrick Assirvaden announced the establishment of a crisis committee dedicated to managing the situation on a daily basis.

He outlined a detailed strategy for the coming months that focuses on maximising the use of boreholes and collaborating with CEB’s dams.

This plan also considers partnerships with private dam owners to enhance access to essential water supplies.

In Mauritius, daily water consumption fluctuates between 170 to 250 litres per person.

“Deploying these 4 million cubic metres will offer some relief,” the CEB source noted, as officials express hope for favourable weather changes to bring the much-needed rain and improve reservoir levels.

Hydrologist Farook Mowlabucus has welcomed the initiative to utilise CEB resources but argued that such actions should have occurred much sooner.

“This is a positive move, but it’s long overdue. It’s vital that domestic use is prioritised,” he asserted, recalling his earlier appeals to authorities for proactive measures.

He also proposed another potential solution: “Water could be diverted from Mare-Longue to Mare-aux-Vacoas to enhance supply.

Currently, that water is used at Tamarin Falls for electricity production.”

Mowlabucus stressed the importance of the volumes involved, declaring, “Four million cubic metres of water represents a significant amount.”

As the crisis continues, the urgency for decisive actions and collaborative measures remains crucial.

Source: Defi Media