Water crisis, Two Free Water Tanks and a Pump: How the Scheme Will Work
Every family in Mauritius and Rodrigues should have two water tanks as well as a domestic pump
At its meeting on Friday, 9 October, the Cabinet decided to provide every household in Mauritius and Rodrigues with two free water tanks — one with a capacity of 1,000 litres and the other of 500 litres — along with a domestic water pump. There will be no income requirements, and tenants will also be eligible. The only condition announced so far is that households must not already have water tanks at home.
According to Eco Tank, a division of Standard Water Tank Ltd, the proposed scheme, which involves a Rs 15,000 voucher issued by the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM), may not cover the full cost of the equipment and installation. The company explains that applicants will first need to obtain a document from the Central Water Authority (CWA) confirming that they do not already have a water tank. They can then collect their voucher from the DBM. However, the company believes the amount allocated will not be enough to cover the two tanks and the pump.
For example, Eco Tank says a 1,120-litre tank costs Rs 11,900, while a 520-litre model is priced at Rs 7,900. An automatic pump costs Rs 4,600, with installation adding another Rs 1,000. The total comes to Rs 25,400 — Rs 10,400 more than the announced voucher value.
The company also points to additional costs, including VAT, delivery and rising production expenses. It says suppliers cannot continue absorbing the difference in the long term without affecting their profitability or the quality of the equipment they provide.
As for stock availability, Eco Tank is more reassuring. With several companies expected to participate in the scheme, there should be enough equipment to meet demand. The supplier is therefore calling for the voucher amount to be revised to between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000.
Future beneficiaries must register with the DBM
According to the ministry, families wishing to benefit from the government scheme providing two water tanks and a domestic pump must register with the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM).
The main requirement is that applicants must not already have a water tank at home. Once they have registered, the Central Water Authority (CWA) will carry out an inspection to confirm that they do not already have one.
After the inspection, the DBM will issue a voucher. Beneficiaries can then visit the hardware store of their choice to collect the equipment covered by the scheme.
When does the Registration for the Water Tank Grant Scheme start?
Registration for the "Water Tank Grant Scheme" begins this Monday.
The process will be conducted in alphabetical order: letters A through M from Monday to Wednesday, and N through Z on Thursdays and Fridays.
Registration will take place at CWA offices between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Customers must present their identity card and a CWA bill. It is worth noting that the "Water Tank Grant Scheme" has been extended to all households that do not currently have a water tank; they are eligible for a grant of Rs 15,000 to purchase two tanks, a water pump, and accessories.
