Sugar Industry: Watering Reduced to Twice a Week
The Crisis Committee, established to monitor the country's water and energy situation, now meets daily to assess the status of resources. One of the first decisions made is to reduce the watering frequency for the sugar industry in the Northern region from three times a week to two. This measure aims to better distribute water usage across the territory, as reservoirs are already showing levels below the seasonal average.
"Starting this week, watering for the sugar industry in the North will be cut to twice a week instead of three. Authorities are closely monitoring the water situation and maintaining close oversight. The Crisis Committee meets daily to evaluate the situation. If there are any changes, the ministry will inform the public," stated a representative from the Ministry of Energy. This decision comes as no significant rain is expected in the coming days. According to the relevant services, this initial step is intended to preemptively address potential stricter restrictions if the situation worsens. Meanwhile, authorities are closely monitoring electricity consumption, which rises with the heat. While the Central Electricity Board (CEB) assures there are no planned outages for now, caution remains necessary.
A source close to the Ministry of Energy emphasizes that teams are fully mobilized to prevent any overloads on the network. "There are no power cuts, but we are keeping a close watch on the situation. We ask the general public to collaborate, especially regarding their consumption. Our campaign has been underway for some time, and everyone is participating," this representative noted. The Ministry of Energy and the Central Water Authority continue their joint efforts to ensure optimal resource management. The awareness campaign on energy and water conservation continues, encouraging the population to adopt simple actions: limit the use of energy-consuming appliances, avoid water waste, and report leaks.
Reservoirs: Filling Levels Under Surveillance
As of October 31, the main reservoirs in the country displayed varied filling levels. While some remain at comfortable levels, others are showing signs of concern. Mare-aux-Vacoas, the country's main reservoir, was at 77.5% capacity, while La Nicolière, which supplies the North, dropped to 41.6%, a level deemed worrying by authorities. Piton du Milieu reached 71.6%, La Ferme 61.2%, Mare Longue 87.1%, Midlands 83.5%, and Bagatelle 85.7%.
These figures highlight a complex situation. While reservoirs in the center and south remain at acceptable levels, those in the North are struggling to recharge. Authorities explain that this imbalance is linked to prolonged dry spells in certain areas. Until the first summer rains arrive, careful resource management remains a national priority.