Mauritius Water Tank Grant Falls Short: Households Pay Extra

A government scheme designed to help Mauritian households cope with the island's growing water shortage is facing criticism, with many families saying the Rs 15,000 grant on offer does not cover the actual cost of equipment.

The Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme, administered through the Development Bank of Mauritius (DBM), provides eligible households with up to Rs 10,000 for two water storage tanks (one of 1,000 litres and one of 500 litres), Rs 4,000 toward a water pump, and up to Rs 1,000 for accessories. The total package comes to Rs 15,000 and was meant to be sufficient to cover purchases from approved suppliers.

However, a gap has opened between what the grant covers and what suppliers are actually charging. Several beneficiaries have reported being asked to pay top-ups ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 out of their own pockets. Some suppliers argue that the grant amounts no longer reflect current market prices, citing rising production and supply costs.

The situation has drawn the attention of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. On 3 November, the ministry and the DBM jointly announced they would refer the matter to the Competition Commission of Mauritius, the independent body responsible for investigating anti-competitive business practices. The referral is intended to scrutinise whether certain suppliers are engaging in pricing practices that exceed what was agreed under the scheme.

Adding to the frustration of applicants, a number of participating companies have temporarily suspended new applications. These firms cite production constraints and a backlog of existing orders as reasons for the pause, leaving households in limbo at a time when water cuts and storage shortages are a daily concern for many parts of the island.

What this means: For households already struggling with intermittent water supply, the scheme was seen as a practical lifeline. If suppliers consistently charge more than the grant allows, lower-income families who cannot cover the difference risk being excluded from the programme altogether. The Competition Commission referral signals that authorities are aware of the problem, but a resolution may take time. In the meantime, applicants should confirm the full price with any approved supplier before committing, and check with the DBM for the latest list of participating vendors and any updates to grant conditions.

Source: ION News