Freak weather saves us the day

No sooner had the PUC announce severe water restrictions after just a few weeks into the dry season than freak weather brings rain and a reprieve from the bowsers.

The PUC claimed on the SBC that La Gogue dam was down to just 20% of his holding capacity and Rochon to 60%. Both dams were built during the colonial era in the 1970s when former President James Mancham was Chief Minister. No other major dam has been built during the 30 years of SPPF rule.

The Met office had not expected any rain until mid-December and residents, especially those in north Mahe, were full of apprehension.

Instead, over $ 30 million was borrowed from foreign commercial banks expressly for installation of four desalination plants. This was also a pet project of former SMB strongman Mukesh Valabhji, also PUC chairman at the time, whom nobody dared even question.

James Michel, then still vice-President, assured parliament in 2003 that desalination would solve the water supply issue once and for all.

The idea of more storage was totally discarded. Yet, droughts are unusual in Seychelles where rainfall is well above average compared to most regions in the world.  But though a study revealed that 95% of water pouring down our rivers ended up in the sea, our rivers remained mostly untapped.

The government insisted on desalination as the only solution to meet the shortfall in water volume during the dry season.  A South African company, Bi-Water was contracted for that purpose.

When the desalination plants became operational PUC admitted that the main one at Providence was producing only 5,000 cubic metres daily and that extra investment, in the region of $ 10 million, was needed to augment capacity. Fuel consumption at the plant, before the recent hikes, was R 20,000 daily. It is another case, something this government has become famous for, of pouring money down the drain.

During dry spells taps went completely dry and residents depended on bowser Lorries for a few buckets of water. Some hoteliers warned that some establishments could close down. When desalinated water is supplied, it is usually a source of irritation for its unpleasant taste. This is so, even when it is mixed with fresh water to improve the taste.  Tests carried out by the Seychelles Bureau of Standards reveal a chloride content of 4 times that of normal water, making it hazardous for babies and the elderly. 

Environmentalists are also concerned that brine discharged in the vicinity of the St Anne marine park can harm marine life.

The situation means a roaring business in costly bottled water for those who can afford. But even this occasionally runs out because of the unavailability of foreign currency to purchase empty bottles. We are heading to disaster……  

November 16, 2007
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles