Water cuts bite as dry weather persists By Vidya Gappy |03 November 2022
The level of water in the Rochon dam stood at 66% as of yesterday
Due to persisting dry weather conditions and a delay in the onset of our rainy season, the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) is tightening water restrictions across Mahé.
Until further notice, consumers are being supplied with water only from 5am to 9am and from 5pm to 9pm daily.
The director general of PUC’s Water department, Ibrahima Diallo, said the water restrictions across Mahé are necessary due to the delay in the rainy season which has greatly reduced the flow of rivers used by PUC for the production of potable water.
“Restrictions started on October 17 in some parts of Mahé, but now all areas will be affected, apart from Pointe Larue and Cascade,” Mr Diallo said.
As for Praslin, restrictions started last Friday in two areas but if the situation persists the whole of the island will also have restrictions. This also applies to La Digue.
Currently the Rochon dam is at 66% and the level of water in other dams are also getting lower.
“For the last five years, we are managing our water situation without our main La Gogue dam and PUC has been able to avert any crisis. The public needs to understand that dry season does not start in October but in March. From March to now we have been able to manage and we are on the finishing line and we urge the public to be more patient. The last prediction we got is that heavy rains are expected by end of November,” noted Mr Diallo.
He added that so far the desalination plants – 4 on Mahé, 1 on Praslin and 1 on La Digue – have been of great help but they can cover only 60% of the demand as they also need fresh river water to mix with the sea water.
Mr Diallo acknowledged the concerns of the public regarding not getting water in their taps right at 5am or 5pm when supply is restored. “Water is different from electricity. As you open the valve, all homes on flat areas will receive water first and then water will build up to replenish the reservoir then the other homes will receive water. If someone has a water tank at home, they will be affected the least.”
In the south, water restrictions started last Friday as the dams are smaller and the north is most critical.
“There were some complaints from the north area and we saw that as soon as we opened the valve some tourism establishments were taking all the water. PUC had a discussion with them and urged all of them to use their backup system especially during this critical time,” explained Mr Diallo.
PUC does not want to impose restrictions but we have to do it in case of emergency. Members of the public are therefore being advised to stay mindful of their water consumption and to store some water at their homes at all times.
One hour after the press conference, rain started in the Victoria region and we do hope that the valve from up there stays open for a few days.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Louis Toussaint
