How to Register for Mauritius's Rs 15,000 Water Tank Subsidy

As Mauritius faces recurring water supply pressures, the government has introduced a subsidy of Rs 15,000 to help households purchase and install rainwater storage tanks (réservoirs d'eau). Here is everything you need to know about how the scheme works and how to register. **What is the subsidy?** The Mauritian government is offering a one-off grant of Rs 15,000 to eligible households to cover part of the cost of buying a rainwater storage tank. The initiative is designed to reduce dependence on the centralised water network operated by the Central Water Authority (CWA) — the state body responsible for water supply across the island — and to encourage households to collect and store rainwater independently. This kind of subsidy is particularly relevant given that many parts of Mauritius experience intermittent water cuts, especially during dry periods or when reservoir levels at sites such as La Nicolière or Midlands Dam fall significantly. **Who is eligible?** While the original announcement did not publish the full eligibility criteria, the subsidy is generally understood to target residential households rather than commercial properties. Applicants are expected to be registered CWA customers. Income thresholds or property type conditions may apply — prospective applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the CWA or the relevant ministry. **How to register** To apply for the Rs 15,000 water tank subsidy, households should: 1. Contact the **Central Water Authority (CWA)** directly — either at their regional offices or through the CWA helpline. 2. Prepare relevant documents, which are likely to include proof of identity (national ID card), proof of address, and your CWA account number. 3. Submit your application either in person at a CWA office or through any online portal that may be made available. Applicants are advised to check the **CWA website** (cwa.mu) or call the CWA customer service line for the most up-to-date registration process, as procedures may be updated after the scheme's official launch. **What this means for Mauritians** For many households — particularly those in areas prone to water rationing — a storage tank can make a significant practical difference, allowing families to stockpile water during periods of normal supply and draw on it during cuts. At Rs 15,000, the subsidy covers a meaningful portion of the cost of a standard tank and installation. The scheme also signals a broader government push to build household-level water resilience, rather than relying solely on large-scale infrastructure projects which have proven controversial. A recent proposal to expand desalination capacity, for example, drew sharp criticism from environmentalists and opposition figures who called it an ecological risk. If you are a homeowner or tenant in Mauritius and have experienced water shortages, this subsidy may be worth exploring without delay — demand for such programmes typically outpaces supply. Source: Le Defi Media