Home/Environment/Mauritius Expands Water Tank Grant Schemβ¦
Environment
Mauritius Expands Water Tank Grant Scheme to All Unequipped Homes
The government's Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme is now open to all households without storage equipment, as Mauritius battles a deepening water crisis.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 1 hour agoπ 0 views
Mauritius has extended its Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme to cover all households that do not yet have water storage or pumping equipment installed β a significant expansion of a programme previously limited to a narrower group of eligible residents.
The announcement comes as the island grapples with a serious and worsening water crisis, marked by prolonged supply cuts, low reservoir levels, and growing public frustration over the reliability of the national water network managed by the Central Water Authority (CWA).
**What is the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme?**
The scheme is a government subsidy programme designed to help Mauritian households cope with intermittent water supply by installing private water storage tanks and pumps. By storing water during periods when supply is available, families can draw on their own reserves during cuts β reducing their dependence on the CWA's often unpredictable distribution schedule.
Previously, eligibility for the grant was restricted to specific categories of applicants. The new measure removes those restrictions, making the subsidy available to any household that does not already have a water tank or pump in place.
**Why does this matter?**
Water rationing has become a daily reality for many Mauritians, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Households in districts such as Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, and parts of the East and South have reported receiving piped water for only a few hours a day β or less. The situation is expected to worsen heading into the dry season.
For families without storage capacity, cuts mean no water at all. A tank and pump setup allows residents to collect and store water when supply is restored, then use it throughout the day. Experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for wider adoption of household storage as a short-term buffer while longer-term infrastructure solutions are developed.
By opening the scheme to all unequipped homes, the government is effectively acknowledging that the water shortage is no longer a localised problem affecting only the most vulnerable β it is a nationwide issue requiring a broad response.
**What this means for residents**
If your household does not currently have a water storage tank or pump, you may now be eligible to apply for a government grant to help cover the cost of installation. Residents should contact the relevant ministry or the CWA directly to confirm the grant amount, application process, and any documentation required. As details of the expanded scheme are confirmed, checking the official government portal or local municipal offices is advisable.
The move is being seen as a stopgap measure β important for immediate relief, but not a substitute for the infrastructure investment, leak reduction, and demand management that water experts say Mauritius urgently needs.
Source: Le Defi Media
Who is eligible for the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme in Mauritius?β
Following the latest expansion, the scheme is now open to all Mauritian households that do not already have a water storage tank or pump installed. Previously, eligibility was limited to specific categories of applicants. Residents should contact the Central Water Authority (CWA) or the relevant government ministry for application details and the grant amount covered.
Why is Mauritius experiencing a water crisis?β
Mauritius is facing a combination of low reservoir levels, ageing infrastructure with high leakage rates, and below-average rainfall. The Central Water Authority (CWA), which manages the national water supply network, has implemented rationing across many districts, with some households receiving piped water for only a few hours per day. Experts have warned that without major infrastructure investment, the situation could worsen significantly.
How does a household water tank help during water cuts in Mauritius?β
A water storage tank allows households to collect and store water during the hours when the CWA supply is active. A pump then enables the stored water to be distributed through the home's plumbing system when supply is cut. This setup provides a buffer against rationing and reduces the impact of irregular supply schedules.
