Key Players in the Water Sector
Government Bodies
- Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities - This ministry is primarily responsible for overseeing water resources management, including policy formulation, regulation, and coordination of major water-related projects.
- Water Resources Commission: Established in May 1993, the Water Resources Commission operates under the aegis of the Ministry and is responsible for the implementation of water mobilization projects.
- Ministry of Health and Wellness - as it plays an important role in the protection of public health from waterborne diseases and also as enforcing agency under the Environment Act 2024 in relation to quality control of drinking-water.
Central Water Authority: The Central Water Authority Act 20/1971 declared by proclamation with effect from July 1971 established the Central Water Authority (CWA), which is the sole undertaker to supply water for Domestic, Industrial, Agricultural and Commercial purposes throughout Mauritius. During the last 50 years of its existence, the CWA has strived to make piped potable water universally accessible in Mauritius.
Wastewater Management Authority: Established in 2000, under the Wastewater Management Authority Act 2000, the core service of the WMA is the collection and treatment of domestic, commercial and industrial wastewaters for disposal to an environmentally acceptable quality, ensuring the country's sustainable development through the provision of appropriate water pollution standards, wastewater control systems and management services to the entire population of Mauritius.
Utility Regulatory Authority: The Utility Regulatory Authority (URA) has been set up in 2016 in accordance with the Utility Regulatory Authority Act 2004 to regulate utility services, namely electricity, water and wastewater.
- Irrigation Authority: The Irrigation Authority (IA) is a parastatal body operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security. The Irrigation Authority Act No. 39 of 1978 defines the objects of IA are to study the development of irrigation, to implement and manage irrigation projects and to undertake research into the optimum use of water made for irrigation.
- Mauritius Meteorological Services - Provides data crucial for managing water resources, including rainfall monitoring and climate forecasting which are essential for drought and flood management.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Mauritian Wildlife Foundation - While primarily focused on wildlife conservation, they are also involved in habitat restoration which includes wetlands, important for maintaining healthy water systems.
- Environment Protection and Conservation Organization (EPCO) - Works on various environmental protection projects, including water conservation and pollution prevention.
- Nature Mauritius - Focuses on conserving Mauritius's natural habitats and biodiversity, including freshwater ecosystems.
Private Sector and Academia
- Business Mauritius - Apex private-sector body; coordinates business engagement on energy, climate, circular economy and environmental performance.
- University of Mauritius - Conducts research and offers educational programs in environmental science, which include water resource management. Faculty and students often collaborate on water-related projects.
- Consulting Firms - Provide specialized services such as water risk assessments, environmental impact assessments, and the development of water management strategies.
International and Regional Partners
- African Development Bank (AfDB) - Provides financial and technical assistance for major water projects and infrastructure improvements in Mauritius.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Supports projects aimed at enhancing water resource management and climate resilience.
