The CWA Requires New State of Emergency and Closes the Valves

The state of drought is again decreed. At a press briefing this Thursday, Feb. 9, the Central Water Authority (CWA) speaks of " worrying situation ". Mare aux Vacoas, the largest reservoir of the island is filled to 23% capacity. Vacoas meteorological station, however, remains skeptical about the arrival of summer rains, especially since only 28% of expected rainfall during this period were recorded. According to figures provided by the station Vacoas, it was expected indeed to 1344 mm of rain, but we had only 373 mm. 

So, starting tomorrow, anyone using the water for car washing or watering their lawns, is liable to a fine of Rs 50,000 and imprisonment not exceeding two years. This prohibition also extends to service stations and shopping centers, but the fine increases, this time, to Rs 200 000.

President of the CWA, Prem Saddul, argues that a special unit has been operating for tracking wasters of water."Just for the month of January 2012, 61 cases were identified by this unit," he says. Again, the cooperation of the police has been put to use and there is a call to the public to report any cases of abuse. 

However, the president of the CWA states that it is possible to use buckets of water for washing vehicle at home. " With this practice, the water is carefully used and waste is avoided , "he says. 

Status Mare aux Vacoas is of great concern, especially since the Water Resources Unit (WRU) has found even large summer rains are not sufficient to fill the reservoir at maximum capacity. 

Dev Aukle, managing director of the CWA, said that several measures are envisaged to ensure a regular supply of water in highlands and in other parts of the island. He announced in this context of widespread cuts to take effect, as of this Friday, February 10. 

" So far there are only in the highlands where they felt the cuts. But starting tomorrow, we will extend the break to other regions of the island. In some areas, water will be distributed twice a day, and other one time to ensure dispensing daily , "says Dev Aukle.