On an official visit to Rodrigues from April 14 to 16, the Minister of Energy and Public Services, Patrick Assirvaden, highlights the progress made in the water sector. The experience developed in Rodrigues in terms of desalination could serve as a model for Mauritius, particularly in regions facing water shortages.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety and Family Welfare Commissioner Christiane Agathe, Minister Assirvaden visited the Pointe Cotton desalination complex. This visit allowed him to see first-hand the progress of current projects as well as the infrastructure deployed to meet drinking water needs.
On site, Patrick Assirvaden did not hide his appreciation. He said he was “impressed” by the technical solutions implemented and by Rodrigues’ ability to develop projects adapted to its geographical and climatic constraints. “The Rodrigues experience is a success. We have a lot to learn from their approach,” he said.
The minister stressed that several technical analyzes have already been carried out in Mauritius in order to assess the possibilities of using desalination. “We worked on different scenarios, assessed the necessary volumes and studied the available options,” explained Patrick Assirvaden, indicating that this work constitutes an important basis for the implementation of future projects.
This visit is part of a desalination project planned in the north of Mauritius, a region facing recurring water supply difficulties. More than three districts are directly affected by these shortages, a situation which affects both residents and small planters, dependent on regular access to water.
The Minister of Energy recalled that this region currently only has one major storage infrastructure, the La Nicolière reservoir. A dependence which accentuates the vulnerability of the network in periods of drought or high demand, making it necessary to diversify sources of supply.
According to him, the success of Rodrigues initiatives is based on a combination of factors, including rigorous planning, structured organization and constant monitoring of projects. “There is no reason why what works in Rodrigues cannot be adapted to Mauritius,” he said, pleading for a transposition of good practices on a national scale.
In this context, desalination appears to be a complementary solution to respond to the water challenges facing the country. Patrick Assirvaden raised the possibility of setting up desalination units in the most affected areas, in order to secure the supply of drinking water.
“We must understand why certain projects do not succeed and ensure better monitoring,” he insisted.
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