While the situation at our biggest reservoir, Mare aux Vacoas remains critical, the newly appointed chairperson of the Central Water Authority, Prem Saddul stated that the CWA is preparing itself to face the three driest months of the year, especially October, as well as sensitising the population about using water judiciously. The reservoir is only [...]

While the situation at our biggest reservoir, Mare aux Vacoas remains critical, the newly appointed chairperson of the Central Water Authority, Prem Saddul stated that the CWA is preparing itself to face the three driest months of the year, especially October, as well as sensitising the population about using water judiciously. The reservoir is only 38.8 per cent full.

Hence among his priorities are to sensitise the population.

“We are in the third phase of the education programme to sensitise the public on the importance of water and on the importance of saving water,” he said.

Rain water harvesting is his ‘cheval de bataille’ (priority) as his motto is “non potable water for non potable use. We cannot flush toilets nor do irrigation with treated potable water.”

Concerning the huge problems of water cuts on upper and lower Plaines Wilhems, he added that he is taking the situation positively as “everybody is now talking about how we can save water.” The project of channelling water from Mare Longue directly to La Marie filter plant will be ready by end of September and 20,000 cubic metres will be treated daily.

Following a report produced by experts that there are no leaks at Mare aux Vacoas, they went to the reservoir last week with a team to have a scientific look at the area.

They noticed that huge deforestation has taken place around the region as authorities have given permits for all kinds of development and also land has been leased to vegetable growers who have cleared the forest.

To provide the CWA with further financial back up, he said, “There is a need for us to review our water tariff which is on the rise. We have the lowest water tariff in the world and those who consume a lot, like the industries, must pay more.” He added, “My mission at the CWA is to move towards efficiency through scientific management of our resources”.