49.6 per cent water lost to leakage in ’09

0 Comments 03 September 2010 0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5 (0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5, rated)

WAter authority attributes continued cuts to massive seepage from pipes, thefts. Despite considerable investments over the past years, the Central Water Authority (CWA) is still not able to ensure continuous supply of water.

49.6 per cent water lost to leakage in ’09

Water cuts have become more common across the island even though there has been enough rainfall in recent days.

According to a CWA spokesperson, this situation is not due to the fact that the reservoirs are dry or even that the rainfall level is decreasing over the years. The main cause of these cuts is due to leakage in the CWA water pipes. While in 2005, the water loss amounted to 44.7 per cent of the volume of water distributed throughout the island, this figure continues to rise over the years and in 2009, the loss amounted to 49.6 per cent.

In 2005, the CWA took a loan worth 20 million euros from the European Investment Bank to complete the repair works but the situation has still not improved. Subsequently, the bank even had to write off the debt to the CWA.

Another problem is that of theft. People have illegally connected to the network to ensure a water supply without any payment. There are also faulty meters and the manipulation of meters and illegal connections by some. Several repairs are currently underway to resolve this problem. The total cost of repairing damaged pipes is estimated at around Rs 10 billion.

The CWA will also replace pipes that were built with asbestos and steel, dating back to over 100 years. A budget of Rs 640 million has been allocated for the replacement these ancient pipes. Meanwhile, replacement work covering about 185 km of water pipes in Plaine Wilhems has already begun.

The old pipes are currently being replaced in some parts of the island. The water authority is also looking into the extension work and renovation of water treatment plant at Pailles at a cost of Rs 80 million.

Some 500,000 cubic metres of water is produced per day but only 280,000 cubic metres are consumed. The remaining 220,000 cubic metres are thus lost. According to international standards, a 25 per cent loss rate is acceptable but at 50 per cent, it is too high for a small country like Mauritius.