Mauritius is a paradise but is running dry. When the questions of sustainability and carrying capacity are raised, we should be aware that water is vital and has a direct relevance to the aforementioned concepts.

Rarely, if not never, have we seen Mauritius in such plight in the face of water scarcity. The drastic water cuts announced by the Central Water Authority yesterday is a logical step towards the severe drought faced by the country. However, it is worth highlighting that it is not only Mare aux Vacoas which is running short of water. The continuously dwindling water levels in La Nicoliere is also cause for concern.

According to a communiqué issued by CWA on 3^rd February 2012 the storage of water is as follows for the different reservoirs:

- Mare aux Vacoas - Actual percentage 23.3 %, Capacity 25.89 Million cubic metres, Average percentage 59.4%

- Piton du Milieu - Actual percentage 64.2 %, Capacity 2.99 Million cubic metres, Average percentage 64.2%

- Midlands – Actual percentage 81.9 %, Capacity 25.1 Million cubic metres, Average percentage 84.2%

And according to Le Defi plus of 04.02.2011, La Nicoliere is at 46.2% and Mare Longue 52.4 per cent.

Please make judicious use of water. Every single drop could ultimately count if the drought persists.

Check out the latest update on the drought by clicking here.

Feb 3, 2012

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