Water crisis prompts urgent action request

Deputy Anchya Bamana has written to the Minister of Overseas Territories, Naïma Moutchou, demanding the activation of the ORSEC plan for drinking water and the reimbursement of water bills during outages in Mayotte. She also highlights concerns over the financial stability of the Les Eaux de Mayotte syndicate as its public service delegation nears expiration.

Persistent water crisis demands immediate response

In her letter dated October 19, Bamana emphasized the severity of the ongoing water crisis, stating that simply having water towers does not ensure a functioning water supply. She has previously requested the government to activate the ORSEC plan but has not received a response to her July 17 request. The plan, she argues, is essential for organizing an alternative water supply during outages.

Delays in desalination plant project

Bamana also raised concerns about delays in the Ironi Bé desalination plant, a key project intended to address the water shortage. The project is currently stalled due to legal issues, including the administrative court of Mayotte suspending its environmental authorization on July 31 and identifying several irregularities that need to be resolved.

Financial concerns over public water service

The deputy expressed worry about the financial health of Les Eaux de Mayotte, noting that the public service delegation granted to the Mahorais Water Company (SMAE) will expire on December 31, 2026. She is requesting financial assistance from the State to ensure the delegation can be renewed, avoiding a potential service disruption in early 2027.

Proposed alternative solutions for water supply

In addition to these requests, Bamana suggested exploring complementary measures to address the crisis, such as deploying a desalination barge at sea and importing bottled water from neighboring countries to supplement local supplies.

Criticism of inconsistent government action

In remarks not included in the formal letter, Bamana criticized the government for what she views as an inconsistent approach, pointing to the activation of the ORSEC "drought" plan in French Guiana to supply water to isolated communes affected by El Niño. She accused the government of applying "two weights, two measures" and expressed frustration over what she called a "contempt for the Mahorais." She concluded by stating that the people of Mayotte will not accept continued poverty.