Mahen Seeruttun a pris part aux débats sur ce projet de loi présenté au Parlement par Joe Lesjoingard afin de mieux gérer le secteur de l’eau à Maurice.
Mr. Speaker Sir,
I stand before this House to support the Water Resources Bill, No. VIII of 2024, a landmark legislation, which is poised to bring transformative change to the way we manage and utilise our precious water resources.Indeed, Mr Speaker Sir, the Water Resources Bill, which is to be passed by this August Assembly, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable and efficient water management.
As Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, I am acutely aware of the critical role that water plays in sustaining our agricultural activities.Water is not just a resource; it is the lifeblood of our fields, the foundation of our endeavour towards food security, and a crucial element in the livelihood of our planters.
Hence, the need for it to be properly managed.
From an agricultural perspective, I consider this Bill to be a monumental shift towards a more equitable and prosperous future for the agricultural sector as a whole.
This new Bill, Mr Speaker Sir, with its comprehensive legal framework, promises to address the long-standing challenges we have faced under the Ground Water Act, Rivers and Canals Act, and the Central Water Authority Act.
For too long, our water resources have been managed in silos, with different agencies operating under separate acts without proper coordination.
In fact, the existing legislations all deal with portions of the water sector, but fail to adopt a holistic, integrated approach.
This fragmented system has led to inefficiencies and thus made it difficult for planters to have equitable access to water resources.
Mr Speaker Sir,
The Water Resources Bill, represents a significant step forward by providing a comprehensive framework that will ensure water security and sustainability for all, including planters.This Bill, in comparison to the existing legislations, brings forth several key improvements.
Allow me to highlight some of these and how they will contribute to the growth and development of our economy, including our agricultural sector.
Most importantly, Mr Speaker Sir, the Bill recognizes water as a finite resource that needs to be protected for both current and future generations.
Its emphasis on conservation, efficient use, monitoring, protection of catchment areas and aquifers will go a long way in ensuring long term water security for Mauritius.
This is crucial for our agriculture which relies so heavily on consistent access to water supplies.
Indeed, Mr Speaker Sir, this Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the use, management, control, protection, conservation, and sustainable development of our water resource.
Its objective is to safeguard our immediate and long-term interest by ensuring equitable access to water by one and all.
The Bill also ensures that planters have a reliable and fair allocation of water resources, through a clear and transparent framework, thus enabling them to better plan and optimize their agricultural practices.
One of the most commendable aspects of this Bill, Mr Speaker Sir, is its focus on the sustainable development of our water resources.
The agricultural sector has often been, and is now more frequently, at the mercy of erratic weather patterns and inconsistent water supply, due to climate change.
With the emphasis that it lays on the promotion of the efficient use of water, this Bill encourages planters to adopt innovative and sustainable irrigation practices, given the increasing challenges posed by climate change and the need to ensure water security and resilience.
By promoting the efficient use of water, we can reduce wastage, conserve our precious resources, and encourage a more environmentally friendly agricultural sector.
I must say, Mr Speaker Sir, that with a view to improving the efficient utilisation of water to enhance vegetable and fruit crops production at farmers’ level, my Ministry has been encouraging farmers to adopt climate resilient methods of production through the development and implementation of novel water and energy saving irrigation technologies which prevent wastage of irrigation water by offering a water economy of 40 to 50%.
Several initiatives/facilities have been provided to planters to enable that shift.
With the implementation of these water and energy-efficient technological packages, farmers are able to increase crop yield both in terms of quantity and quality.Another significant and visionary feature of this Bill, Mr Speaker Sir, is the establishment of the Water Resources Commission.
This Commission will serve as the central body to oversee the management, control, protection, and conservation of our water resources.
By bringing all water-related activities under a single umbrella and framework, we can ensure better coordination, avoid duplication of efforts, and streamline the processes that are vital for proper water management.This holistic approach which was lacking in the previous legislations, where responsibilities were fragmented across different entities, will ensure sustainable management of our surface as well as ground water, dams and other water infrastructure in an integrated manner.
This independent body will provide expert guidance, monitor water usage, and promote the implementation of best practices in water management.The Commission’s presence will ensure that the interests of the agricultural sector are properly represented and protected, which will lead to a more efficient allocation of water resources for agricultural purposes.
By vesting ownership and administration of water resources under the Water Resources Commission, far better coordination between all stakeholders in the sector will undoubtedly follow, thus leading to more efficient allocation of water.I also note, Mr Speaker Sir, that this Bill makes provision for the concept of water use permits, which will replace the existing system of water rights.
This system will bring much-needed regulation and accountability to the use of water resources.
This shift will streamline the administrative processes and provide water users, including planters, with a more transparent and accessible mechanism for securing water resources.
Processing applications and regulating water usage in a transparent, organized manner will eliminate many of the ambiguities that currently exist.
Through the introduction of permits for water use, the monitoring and management of water will be done in a more effective and efficient manner, whilst ensuring that the agricultural sector receives its fair share.
This Bill will, therefore, Mr Speaker Sir, bring about a robust mechanism for regulating water use, thereby putting an end to inequities and conflicts.
I have no doubts that planters will have greater certainty and security of having a consistent water supply, for their agricultural activities.
The Bill also introduces the concept of buffer zones and restricted areas, which are pivotal for protecting our water resources from contamination and overuse.
Regulating activities in these zones, will, without any doubt, prevent the degradation of our water bodies and ensure that the nation has access to clean and safe water.
This level of protection which are not sufficiently covered in the existing legislations, will help in controlling pollution and resource depletion.
In addition, the Bill lays emphasis on the protection of aquifers with a view to ensuring that they are not over-exploited.This will help to safeguard the long-term availability of underground water for both agriculture and other uses.
The Bill recognizes the importance of alternative water sources.
It acknowledges that surface and groundwater alone may not always be sufficient to meet the increasing demands of the various socio-economic sectors.
Therefore, the Bill encourages the exploration and utilization of sustainable sources of water, such as desalination and other innovative technologies.
While promoting water recycling, reuse, desalination and alternative water sources, the Bill will act as a game-changer, as it will open up new avenues for the agricultural sector.
These innovative approaches will surely reduce the stress on our existing water resources.The enforcement powers as provided under the Bill will help crack down illegal abstraction and wastage of water which deprive other users, including planters, of this precious resource.
By clearly spelling out the responsibilities, penalties and compliance protocols, the Bill will call upon all water users including the agricultural sector to adopt more sustainable practices and make efficient use of our water resources.
Mr Speaker Sir, Section 36(2) of this Bill makes reference to special considerations given to small planters.
Indeed, it specifically exempts small planters from the requirement to use water from rivers, streams, or watercourses only for the purposes specified in their water use permit.
This implies that small planters will not be restricted to using water for specific purposes as provided in the permit.
They will have the flexibility to use water for any agricultural purpose they deem necessary, as long as they notify the relevant authority.
This provision will ease off the regulatory burden of small planters and will give them access to river water for irrigation purposes.
While still keeping their water usage subject to terms and conditions to be set by the Director of the Water Resources Commission, the Water Resources Bill acknowledges the contribution of planters to our social and economic development.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker Sir, I must emphasise on the fact that the Water Resources Bill embodies a comprehensive, sustainable, and forward-thinking approach to water management.
This Bill will bring about an unprecedented reform that was long overdue to strengthen water governance in our country.
It paves the way for an efficient and equitable water management, and thus ensuring that all the socio-economic sectors of the country have the necessary water resources to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
I, therefore, urge all members of the other side of the Assembly to raise above politics and support this Bill.
