CWA steps up emergency measures to mitigate water shortages

The Central Water Authority (CWA) is stepping up emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the persistent drought and strengthen water supply across the island. Four boreholes at Trianon, Côte-d’Or and Valentina are expected to inject an additional 11,200 cubic metres of water daily into the distribution network to improve supply to the regions concerned.

The Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, undertook a site visit on Saturday 24 October 2026 to take stock of the installations and the measures being implemented to increase water availability. He was accompanied by a CWA team led by its General Manager, Mr Shiam Krisht Thannoo, and Deputy General Manager (Technical), Mr Chandrasen Matadeen.

The measures are being implemented as the water level at Mare aux Vacoas stood at 33.9% on 22 October 2026, with a further decline to 20% projected for November should the rainfall deficit persist.

The site visit began at Trianon, where a borehole was expected to provide an additional 4,000 cubic metres of water daily to Beau-Bassin, Cité Chebel, Belle Étoile and Cité Barkly. The Minister subsequently proceeded to Côte-d’Or, where he visited a borehole located at the Elisa site. This installation is expected to supply an additional 1,200 cubic metres of water daily to Saint-Pierre, Moka, Côte-d’Or, Helvétia, L’Agrément and Cité Circonstance.

The visit ended at Valentina, where two boreholes were inspected. The installation at Soniawear is expected to contribute 4,800 cubic metres of water daily to Highlands, Highlands Rose, Petit Camp and Phoenix. The second installation, at Universal Fabrics, is expected to provide an additional 1,200 cubic metres daily to Highlands, Phoenix and Petit Camp.

In a statement, Minister Assirvaden underlined that the authorities were pursuing all possible avenues to increase water availability and alleviate supply difficulties experienced by consumers. He stated that a request had been made to the Water Resources Unit for the possible requisition of 15 to 20 additional boreholes across the island.

He added that boreholes at Mare Longue and Médine were also being considered for requisition, with a site visit scheduled for next week to assess the installations concerned.

The Minister further indicated that additional water tankers would be deployed to assist regions experiencing supply difficulties. He acknowledged, however, that some consumers could continue to face difficulties, particularly if sufficient rainfall was not recorded.

Minister Assirvaden emphasised that the measures being implemented were intended to mitigate the impact of the drought and alleviate the difficulties experienced by consumers, rather than permanently resolve the water shortage. “The authorities are continuing their efforts to mobilise available resources and maintain water supply during this period of drought,” he said.

26 October 2026

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Topics: Water Resources