Mauritius Water Tank Subsidy Under Review as Prices Rise
Suppliers want the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme increased after rising tank costs leave households short, with 40,000 applications already filed.
Rising prices for water storage tanks in Mauritius have prompted suppliers to call on the government to increase the subsidy available under the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme, a programme designed to help households cope with the country's recurring water supply difficulties.
The Cabinet of Ministers took note of the suppliers' request on 6 November 2026. To find a workable solution, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives will hold meetings with suppliers in the near future. Those talks are expected to focus on how the increase in tank prices has eroded the value of the existing subsidy.
The scale of demand for the scheme underlines how pressing the water issue has become for ordinary Mauritian families. By 5 November 2026, around 40,000 applications had been registered under the programme. Of those, 27,000 household inspections had been carried out, and 17,000 eligible files had been forwarded to the Development Bank of Mauritius, the state-owned bank that processes and disburses the grants.
The Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme was introduced to allow lower-income households to purchase tanks and pumps that store water during periods when the national network is unable to deliver a continuous supply. Many parts of Mauritius, particularly in the south and centre of the island, experience intermittent water cuts, making private storage a practical necessity for daily life.
Suppliers argue that since the subsidy amount was set, the cost of manufacturing and importing tanks has increased significantly, meaning the grant now covers a smaller share of the purchase price. Without an upward revision, they say, many eligible families still cannot afford to buy a tank even with government assistance.
This dispute comes at a moment of wider pressure on Mauritius's water resources. Reservoir levels have been a concern for authorities in recent months, adding urgency to policies that help households manage supply gaps independently.
What this means: If the government agrees to raise the subsidy, eligible households would receive a larger contribution toward the cost of a water storage tank or pump, reducing the amount they must pay out of pocket. The meetings between ministers and suppliers will be a key moment to watch. If no agreement is reached, the backlog of 40,000 applicants could grow, and many approved families may still find the grant insufficient to cover the actual purchase.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Water Tank and Water Pump Grant Scheme in Mauritius?β
It is a government programme that provides a financial subsidy to eligible Mauritian households to help them purchase water storage tanks and pumps. Applications are processed by the Development Bank of Mauritius. By November 2026, around 40,000 applications had been registered and 17,000 eligible files had been forwarded to the bank for disbursement.
Why are water tank suppliers in Mauritius asking for a higher subsidy?β
Suppliers say the market price of water tanks has risen since the grant amount was originally set, meaning the subsidy now covers a smaller proportion of the actual purchase cost. They have formally requested that the Cabinet revise the grant upward, and the Minister of Commerce and Minister of Industry are expected to meet with suppliers to discuss the issue.
How many Mauritian households have applied for the water tank grant?β
As of 5 November 2026, approximately 40,000 applications had been registered. Of these, 27,000 household inspections had been completed and 17,000 files deemed eligible had been sent to the Development Bank of Mauritius for processing.
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