Drought: A National Water Restriction Plan in Preparation

The government is developing a national water restriction plan in response to the alarming decline in reservoir levels. Emergency measures are expected to be presented to the Cabinet soon before implementation. According to authorities, Mauritius is experiencing one of the most severe droughts in over a century. The Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir is currently at 51% of its capacity and could drop to 22 or 23% by mid-June.

The aim of the plan is to safeguard existing reserves and ensure better management of water distribution on a national scale. The current deficit in reservoirs is estimated at between 10 and 12 million cubic meters compared to the same period last year. The population, businesses, and the agricultural sector are urged to conserve water. Concurrently, other solutions are being considered, including pumping water from rivers and a desalination project in the North.