Risk of drought: the advocated solutions to provide relief for consumers and operators

In the absence of heavy rainfall in recent times, the water level in our reservoirs is already starting to drop. What are the main economic sectors that are likely to be affected by a drought? What are the consequences for consumers and businesses? How to deal with this situation? Zoom. At the Vacoas weather station, precipitation data is not encouraging. The month of September recorded a deficit in rainfall. “The rain gauges collected only 40% of the expected rain for this period,” says meteorologist Rakesh Seetohul. Indeed, according to him, the weather recorded an average of only 35 mm of rain during the month of September. The regions most affected by drought were Sans-Souci, Grande-Providence and Bois-Chéri, as well as a large part of the west of the country. However, our interlocutor predicts a slight improvement from the third week of October. “We expect between 40 and 50 mm of rain by the end of October, mainly on the central plateau,” he says.

Oceanographer and environmentalist Vassen Kauppaymuthoo points out that over the past ten years, precipitation in Mauritius has decreased by more than 8% compared to the 1950s. “The situation is already critical. With climate change, precipitation is becoming increasingly unstable, and every year we will face prolonged periods of drought,” says our interlocutor. He also reminds that during last year, the country narrowly avoided a disaster with only one week’s worth of water in our reservoirs for consumption. “It is imperative to learn lessons from this situation in order to prevent it from happening again,” he emphasizes.

Sunil Dowarkasing, consultant in sustainable development and environmentalist shares this concern. “Every year at the beginning of summer season, we find ourselves facing the same situation and we are still not able to take necessary measures,” he laments. According to him, between 50 and 55% of water consumed by households come from underground aquifers. “However, the storage of water in these aquifers has been constantly decreasing in recent years due to decreased precipitation. In addition, evaporation rates in reservoirs are increasing, not to mention water leaks in distribution networks,” he explains. As a result, the situation of drinking water supply in the country is becoming increasingly alarming.

Impacts on consumers and businesses
According to our interlocutors, drought can have many consequences for consumers, both on their daily lives and their overall well-being. “Drought reduces water availability and may force consumers to ration their consumption,” explains Vassen Kauppaymuthoo. Sunil Dowarkasing goes even further by stating that consumers will pay higher prices for certain products and services. “Drought leads to increased costs for businesses, which translates into price hikes,” he explains. According to him, it is especially people in vulnerable situations who will be most severely affected.

Droughts in other countries
The consequences of climate change are being felt this year. Many countries are affected by droughts, which have even caused fires. Among them is Greece which experienced a difficult summer as wildfires fueled by heatwaves and winds ravaged parts of the country. Southern Italy was hit by a heatwave with temperatures reaching 47.6 °C, causing several fires. In Algeria, drought continues to affect cereal production in the country.

Questions for… Lomush Juggoo,
Director of Water Resources Unit: “Prudent management of distribution for the next three weeks is necessary”

What is the current situation in our reservoirs?
As of Monday September 25th , the average storage rate in reservoirs was 79.2%. For the same period last year, storage rate was 80.7%, showing a one percent deficit.
However,it is important to note that the precipitation conditions are not comparable. Last year, we experienced exceptionally dry periods, which caused prolonged drought. At present, we are entering the dry season, which will not lead to significant replenishment of our reservoirs. Therefore, prudent management of water distribution for the next three to four weeks is necessary.

What measures are being taken to minimize the potential consequences of a new drought in the country?
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Water Resources Monitoring Committee meets regularly to analyze the situation. This committee, composed of representatives from metereological station, Irrigation Authority and Central Water Authority, is chaired by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. We review the water level in our reservoirs and provide information on current precipitation. Therefore, we will take measures to ensure water allocation across the country. Priority is given, of course, to households. We are striving to extend water availability as much as possible.

Should we fear a situation similar to last year’s regarding water distribution?
Last year from August to December ,we experienced a severe lack of rainfall , especially in September which is the driest month of  the year . If this trend persists , our reservoirs will continue to empty , potentially leading  to drought.However there could be upcoming precipitations which can improve the situation . It all depends on weather , but I strongly urge people use water responsibly as we enter into a dry period.I also encourage everyone to collect rainwater for uses other than consumption like watering plants and cleaning .

Solutions
Continuous monitoring of situation
Vassen Kauppaymuthoo explains that during periods of drought, several high-level committees are set up to address  the situation”unfortunately once reservoir levels improve , meetings end and records are put away” he deplores.According him it is necessary for a continuous monitoring and management plan.
Investing in pipes 
For our two interlocutors, it is possible  improve the management of national water resources by investing in distribution infrastructure, modernizing treatment processes, and reducing losses from leaks. Vassen Kauppaymuthoo points out that 50 to 60% of the water resource is lost in distribution networks. “We can increase storage if we invest in pipes,” he says. Sunil Dowarkasing agrees.”It is imperative to replace and upgrade pipelines in the distribution network to prevent leaks,” he insists.
Education of the population
According to Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, the average Mauritian citizen consumes 180 liters per day, a quantity he considers excessive given the situation of water supply in the country. He emphasizes the need for awareness among people about responsible use of this precious resource.This applies not only to individuals but also to businesses.He stresses that it is essential to realize that, facing consequences of climate change , abundant water will no longer be guaranteed.
Limiting developments in certain areas
Environmentalists persist and insist.“We cannot allow new developments in certain regions of the country” they say .For example,Sunil Dowarkasing talks about constructions in conservation areas.”Deforestation will further deteriorate the situation.We need trees for precipitation creation” he supports.Vassen Kauppaymuthoo,on his part,says we need refuse projects located on mountain slopes or coastal zones as well as projects around capital city.”We are advertising Mauritius as a tourist and retirement destination.But it’s not worth having massive real estate projects in a water shortage period”,he says.
Rainwater harvesting
According to Sunil Dowarkasing ,70–75% of rainwater ends up into sea.”Given increasingly unfavorable rainfall conditions,it …”