Mauritius PM Takes Charge of Water Crisis with New Cabinet Committee
Facing weeks of public anger over water shortages, Mauritius forms an eight-minister interministerial committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
Mauritius has escalated its response to a prolonged water supply crisis, with the Cabinet approving the creation of an interministerial committee tasked with managing the emergency. The committee will be chaired directly by the Prime Minister, signalling that the government now considers the situation a matter of national urgency.
The decision follows weeks of public protests and mounting criticism directed at the Central Water Authority, known as the CWA, which is the state body responsible for water supply and distribution across the island. The Minister of Public Utilities, Patrick Assirvaden, has also faced sustained pressure over the persistent shortages, which have left many households without reliable access to water.
The new committee brings together eight ministers from across government. These include the ministers responsible for Energy and Public Utilities, Housing and Land, Agro-Industry and Food Security, and the Blue Economy and Fisheries. The ministers of National Infrastructure, Health and Wellness, Social Integration and Social Security, Industry and SMEs, and Regional Administration will also take part in the committee's work.
The breadth of representation reflects how far-reaching the water crisis has become. Disruptions to supply affect not just households but also agriculture, public health, small businesses, and local communities across Mauritius.
The CWA has faced criticism for years over ageing infrastructure, leaks in the distribution network, and an inability to meet demand during dry periods. Water shortages tend to worsen during summer months, but residents in several parts of the island have reported disruptions lasting days at a time, with some areas receiving water only during limited hours.
What this means: The creation of a Prime Minister-led committee marks a shift from treating the water crisis as a single-ministry problem to a whole-of-government emergency. It suggests that solutions being considered may go beyond the CWA's own remit, potentially touching on land use, infrastructure investment, agricultural water consumption, and social support for the most affected communities. For residents who have been living with rationing and supply cuts, the key question is whether this political attention will translate into practical, lasting improvements to water access, or whether it will remain a short-term response to public pressure.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Central Water Authority (CWA) in Mauritius?β
The Central Water Authority, or CWA, is the government body in Mauritius responsible for the production, storage, treatment, and distribution of drinking water across the island. It operates under the Ministry of Public Utilities and manages the national water network, including reservoirs, pipes, and treatment plants.
Why is there a water shortage in Mauritius?β
Mauritius has been experiencing persistent water supply problems linked to ageing distribution infrastructure, high levels of water loss through leaks, uneven rainfall, and growing demand. Some areas of the island receive water only on a rationed schedule, with supply cut off for extended periods, particularly during drier months.
What powers does the new interministerial water committee have in Mauritius?β
The committee, approved by the Council of Ministers and chaired by the Prime Minister, is mandated to examine the water supply emergency. With eight ministers involved, it can coordinate responses across health, infrastructure, agriculture, housing, and regional administration, giving it authority to consider solutions beyond what the CWA or any single ministry could address alone.
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