Mahe will this year get a comprehensive network of water distribution when the R70-million South Mahe Water distribution project, which includes expansion of the Hermitage Treatment Works and construction of reservoirs in the south, is completed.

This, coupled with water from the desalination plants under construction at Providence and Anse Boileau, will ensure a constant water supply even during the dry season.

This was revealed by Vice-President James Michel when presenting his 2003 Budget Address to the National Assembly on December 24 last year in his capacity as Minister for Finance.

Vice-President Michel said that early this year treated water from Hermitage will flow to Anse Royale and reservoirs will be built at Anse Boileau, Beoliere, Quatre Bornes and Les Canelles. There will be a smaller reservoir at Port Glaud.

"This project will, when completed (this) year, give Mahe a comprehensive network of water distribution," Vice-President Michel said.

He added that water from the desalination plants under construction at Providence and Anse Boileau would feed into this network.

"The population in the south of Mahe will have a more reliable supply of water during the dry period and by mid 2003 the network will reach other areas in the south of Mahe," Vice-President Michel said.

Also forming part of the South Mahe Water Project, Vice-President Michel said, was the tapping of the Mare aux Cochons river at Port Launay to supply the network with 1000 kilolitres of water a day in the dry season. This part of the project will start as from this year.

Praslin too, Vice-President Michel noted, would have a more reliable supply of water as PUC (Public Utilities Corporation) builds a ring main from Baie Ste Anne to Grand Anse via Consolation.

He further noted that the desalination plants at Baie Ste Anne and La Passe (La Digue) would be commissioned this year.

According to Vice-President Michel, all these projects are expected to solve, once and for all, the country's problem of water supply during the dry season.

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