New Reform Restricts Free Water Access To Only 4,500 Most Vulnerable Households

The Central Water Authority (CWA) has announced a significant policy shift regarding its free water scheme, restricting the 6 cubic metre (6 m³) monthly exemption exclusively to households registered on the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM).

The decision, taken by the new government, aims to rectify what officials have termed a “historical injustice” while bolstering the CWA’s financial viability.

By limiting the exemption to the approximately 4,500 households currently on the SRM, the CWA expects to recover an estimated MUR 45 million.

Financial Strain and “Perverse Effects”

CWA Director Shyam Thanoo explained that the original 2016 subsidy intended to offset the cost of free water ended years ago, leaving the CWA to bear the financial burden alone.

Studies conducted by the authority revealed that nearly 75,000 people benefiting from the free water did not fit the profile of vulnerable citizens.

“Our research shows that a large proportion of these individuals own second homes,” Mr. Thanoo stated, noting that these consumers have the means to pay.

The reform is intended to ensure that financial aid reaches only those in genuine need.

Future Investment and Monitoring

The authority intends to reinvest the recovered funds into:

• Infrastructure modernisation to improve service quality.
• Maintenance of the existing network.
• Reduction of water loss across the system.

To prevent further inequities, the CWA will maintain a “dynamic” list in collaboration with Social Security and the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF).

Mr. Thanoo assured that “close monitoring” would be implemented to ensure the support remains targeted.

Security Tightened Following Flacq Assault

In a separate development, the CWA has heightened security across its installations following a recent assault at a treatment centre in Flacq.

Working alongside the police and the Crime Prevention Unit, the authority has equipped security guards with “panic buttons” linked to audible alarms.

These new measures are designed to deter intruders and protect staff from theft or physical threats.

The police investigation into the Flacq incident is ongoing.

Source: Defi Media