Desalination: Mauritius Takes Inspiration from Rodriguan Expertise
During an official visit to Rodrigues from April 14 to 16, Energy and Public Utilities Minister Patrick Assirvaden highlighted the advancements made in the water sector. The desalination experience developed in Rodrigues could serve as a model for Mauritius, particularly in regions facing water shortages.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety and Family Welfare Commissioner Christiane Agathe, Minister Assirvaden visited the Pointe Cotton desalination facility. This visit allowed him to observe the progress of ongoing projects and the infrastructure deployed to meet drinking water needs.
On site, Patrick Assirvaden expressed his appreciation, stating he was "impressed" by the technical solutions implemented and Rodrigues' ability to develop projects suited to its geographical and climatic constraints. "The Rodriguan experience is a success. We have much to learn from their approach," he remarked.
The minister noted that several technical analyses have already been conducted in Mauritius to evaluate the potential for desalination. "We have worked on different scenarios, assessed the necessary volumes, and studied available options," explained Patrick Assirvaden, indicating that this work forms an important basis for the implementation of future projects.
This visit is part of a proposed desalination project in northern Mauritius, a region facing recurrent water supply difficulties. More than three constituencies are directly affected by these shortages, a situation that impacts both residents and small farmers who rely on regular access to water.
Dependence
The Energy Minister reminded that this region currently has only one major storage facility, the La Nicolière reservoir. This dependence heightens the network's vulnerability during periods of drought or high demand, making it necessary to diversify supply sources.
According to him, the success of Rodriguan initiatives relies on a combination of factors, including rigorous planning, structured organization, and constant project monitoring. "There’s no reason why what works in Rodrigues can’t be adapted to Mauritius," he asserted, advocating for the transposition of best practices at the national level.
In this context, desalination appears as a complementary solution to address the water challenges faced by the country. Patrick Assirvaden mentioned the possibility of establishing desalination units in the most affected areas to secure drinking water supply.
"We need to understand why some projects fail and ensure better follow-up," he stressed, calling for a more methodical approach in project execution.
Beyond technical aspects, the minister emphasized the importance of better coordination among various stakeholders. He believes that the success of such projects also depends on effective governance and the ability to anticipate operational constraints.
Once again praising the expertise developed in Rodrigues, Patrick Assirvaden highlighted the need to enhance exchanges between the two islands. "Before finalizing anything, it is essential to thoroughly work on these projects and rely on best practices," he declared.
This official visit is part of a broader effort to explore sustainable solutions in response to the growing challenges related to water management. For Patrick Assirvaden, the goal is clear: to adapt proven solutions to Mauritian realities to ensure secure and sustainable access to water for the entire population.