Citizen Water Meetings in Mayotte

The Office of Water for Mayotte (OEM) is hosting the first Citizen Water Meetings on October 14 and 15, 2026, at the Hamaha Beach Hotel. The event aims to become an annual platform for residents to discuss issues related to water shortages, quality, and costs.

Water Challenges in Mayotte

Access to clean and affordable drinking water remains a pressing issue for Mayotte's population. Chronic outages, concerns about water quality, and rising costs have made water management a critical topic for residents.

Inclusive Water Governance

The OEM, led by delegate Nadjayedine Sidi, has invited civil society to participate in the meetings under the motto "Water is shared. So is the voice." The goal is to collect citizens' perspectives and suggestions for sustainable water management.

Focus on Water Resource and Governance

On the first day of the meetings, discussions centered on the physical state of water resources, their preservation, and alternative solutions. The second day addressed governance and pricing, including who decides and who pays for water on the island.

Constructive Discussions and Feedback

Participants engaged in respectful and constructive debates, expressing frustrations and suggestions. Mohamed Issouf, general director of the OEM, praised the event for fostering the kind of dialogue needed for progress.

Collaboration and Future Planning

The OEM, which has been operational for about one and a half years, has a strategic agreement with the Office of Water for Réunion. The general director from Réunion attended to share experiences in managing climate-related challenges in the Indian Ocean.

Sharing Observations with Officials

On Thursday, the organizers will present the observations gathered the previous day to departmental elected officials, representatives of inter-municipalities, and other relevant bodies. This step aims to align citizen demands with public decision-makers' plans to shape future investments in water management.