Andre Viljoen takes control of Air Mauritius as new CEO

Public Services Minister Patrick Assirvaden declares critical drought situation at Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir

Public Services Minister Patrick Assirvaden has described the water situation in Mauritius as critical, following a visit to the Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir. He noted the reservoir's extremely low level, stating the drought is worse than anticipated and has not been observed in over 120 years. The minister attributed the crisis to climate change, highlighting a significant rainfall deficit of 30% to 40% this year, equating to a shortage of 10 to 14 million cubic meters of water. Assirvaden has requested Lormus Jugoo of the Water Resources Commission to prepare an emergency plan, with water restrictions expected soon. Without intervention, reservoir levels could drop to between 22% and 23% by mid-June. He urged the public, farmers, and businesses to reduce water consumption. Mare-aux-Vacoas supplies approximately 80,000 subscribers in Vacoas and Plaines-Wilhems. Structural measures under consideration include increasing boreholes, exploiting groundwater, and studying desalination projects, particularly in the North, with a dam project at Rivière-des-Anguilles also being explored for 2029. Assirvaden emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent a more severe crisis and mentioned a new desalination plant in Rodrigues, set to produce 4,500 cubic meters of water, indicating a shift away from rain dependence.