Desalination: Mauritius Draws Inspiration from Rodriguan Expertise
During an official visit to Rodrigues from April 14 to 16, Minister of Energy and Public Services, 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 desalination facility at Pointe Cotton. This visit allowed him to see firsthand the progress of ongoing projects and the infrastructure set up to meet potable water needs.
At the site, Patrick Assirvaden expressed his admiration, 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 declared.
The minister emphasized that several technical analyses have already been conducted in Mauritius to evaluate the potential for desalination. "We have worked on various scenarios, assessed necessary volumes, and studied available options," explained Patrick Assirvaden, indicating that this groundwork is crucial for the implementation of future projects.
This visit is specifically part of a proposed desalination project in northern Mauritius, a region faced with recurring water supply difficulties. More than three constituencies are directly affected by these shortages, impacting both residents and small farmers who rely on regular access to water.
Dependence
The Minister of Energy reminded that this region currently has only one major storage infrastructure, the La Nicolière reservoir. This dependency heightens the network's vulnerability during droughts 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 is no reason why what works in Rodrigues cannot be adapted to Mauritius," he asserted, advocating for a national adoption of best practices.
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 potable water supply.
"We need to understand why some projects fail and ensure better follow-up," he insisted, calling for a more methodical approach in project execution.
Beyond technical aspects, the minister stressed the importance of better coordination among different 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 mentioned the need to strengthen exchanges between the two islands. "Before finalizing anything, it is essential to carefully work on these projects and rely on best practices," he stated.
This official visit thus forms part of a broader effort to explore sustainable solutions in response to 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.