La Nicolière Reservoir, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the current recorded…
(No. B/447) Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet) asked the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities whether, in regard to La Nicolière Reservoir, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the current recorded water level thereof, indicating when water for irrigation purposes will be made available to planters on a regular basis.
Reply: I am informed by the Water Resources Commission that the level of La Nicolière Reservoir as at 05 May 2025 stood at 100%. La Nicolière Reservoir is among one of our small reservoirs and is supplemented by Midlands Dam through the La Nicolière Feeder Canal. The levels of La Nicolière Reservoir had been consistently low over the past several months due to severe deficiency in rainfall. The main reason for its current replenishment is the near normal rainfall over the island during period March/April 2025. As regards water for irrigation purposes, I wish to inform the House that despite the dry spell which has been prevailing over the country, my Ministry has maintained provision of water to planters for irrigation of crops and vegetables. In view of the improved level of the reservoir after the recent rainfalls, the outflow from La Nicolière Reservoir to the Irrigation Authority has increased from 20,000 m3/day to 43,000 m3/day to support agricultural activities. As such, as from 21 April 2025, the frequency of irrigation for vegetables and crops has increased from two to three days per week. It is important for me to recall to the House that according to the Mauritius Meteorological Services, the island has witnessed a severe deficit in rainfall since July 2024 to date. Unlike previous years, we have not received summer rains during this summer
157 season, which are meant to replenish our reservoirs. At the same time last year, our total reservoirs level had stood at 93% compared to 63.7% today. We are awaiting the official publication of the Winter 2025 Outlook from the Mauritius Meteorological Services regarding expected rainfall between May to October 2025. The Water Resources Monitoring Committee which comprises among others, representatives of my Ministry, the Central Water Authority and Irrigation Authority, is continuing to monitor the water situation closely and decisions as appropriate will be taken in due course. It remains pertinent to ensure a judicious management of our scarce resources. 59TH SADC TNF & RETREAT– TARIFF REDUCTION – STRATEGY