Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Rainwater Harvesting Project, implemented by the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, was officially launched yesterday at the residence of Mrs Jane Jana Augustin in Sainte Croix. Supported with funding of some Rs 490,000 from the Chinese Embassy, this initiative aims to promote sustainable water management and improve living conditions for vulnerable households.
The Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; the Junior Minister, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen; the Member of the National Assembly, Mr Louis Ludovic Michel Caserne; the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Peiyi Ding; as well as other personalities were present at the ceremony.
A total of 20 households registered under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) have been selected to benefit from the project, based on predefined eligibility criteria. The aim is to ensure that rainwater harvesting systems are implemented effectively and sustainably, with plans to expand support to additional families in the future.
In his address Minister Subron pointed out the importance of water as an essential resource and underscored water scarcity as a major ecological challenge closely linked to climate change. He recalled that Mauritius, as a Small Island Developing State, is particularly vulnerable to irregular rainfall, flooding and periods of water shortage. On that score, he emphasised that rainwater harvesting is a practical and sustainable solution to promote conservation, reconnect communities with water, and reduce dependence on its commodification.
Minister Subron further welcomed the support of the Chinese Embassy, noting shared values in combating poverty, promoting social and economic justice, and advancing sustainable development. The project is a first step towards a broader national approach to water harvesting, aimed at strengthening resilience among vulnerable households and supporting Mauritius’s climate adaptation efforts, he said.
Other speakers, including Junior Minister Parapen and Mr Caserne, spoke about the importance of adopting a culture of rainwater collection and storage to address water scarcity. They observed that while the project currently benefits a limited number of households, it helps reduce water expenses, encourages responsible water management and represents a meaningful step that can gradually be expanded and replicated.
For his part Mr Ding stated that the project reflects joint efforts to enhance the well-being and dignity of SRM families, aligning with Mauritius’s Government Programme 2025–2029 and NEF’s mission. Drawing on China’s own experience in poverty reduction, he underlined the importance of people-centred initiatives and international cooperation to achieve shared prosperity. China remains committed to continue supporting projects that directly benefit Mauritian families and strengthen bilateral collaboration, he reaffirmed.
