World Water Day |22 March 2021

Minister Joubert

Minister underscores value of water

“Water is a valuable resource. Let us use it wisely, because every drops count!”

This is the gist of a message from the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment, Flavien Joubert, to mark World Water Day, today.

Minister Joubert’s full message reads:

“Today, we celebrate World Water Day, a United Nations Observance Day which began in 1993. Over 28 years, we have seen our people become more aware of the importance of water while exploring different themes relevant to the year such as: ‘Water and Energy’ in 2014 to ‘Water and Climate Change’ in 2020 to name a few. 

“This year’s theme is ‘Valuing Water’ which translates into how we value water beyond its price. It determines how water is managed and shared. The significance of water is interlinked between households, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of our natural environment. If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite and irreplaceable resource. As we cannot go without this precious resource, we all have an obligation to safeguard it for our tomorrow, our children’s tomorrow, and everyone’s tomorrow.

“Our islands, like other small developing island states, are at the butt of climate change, and we must find ways to conserve water and at the same time encourage efficient water practices. Therefore, the value of water is of decisive importance for humanity and its future. Access to safe, reliable and affordable water supplies is critical for sustained economic development of every country. 

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the world saw how crucial access to the basic human need of safe water was lacking in many parts of the world. This was also true for Seychelles where many institutions had to install or improve their hand washing facilities so people could wash their hands to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that our dependence on water is critical and managing this precious resource is complex and delicate.  We need water in the right amount, at the right place, at the right time and at the right quality.  With too much rain water, floods disrupt our activities and often resulting in major economic setback.  With protracted drought as we are increasingly experiencing, our population suffers and vital industries are adversely affected.

“It has to be noted, development of centralised drinking water treatment and distribution systems presents a formidable challenge to the government.

“Water projects represent some of the most capital intensive programmes for any utility.  Programmes to help enhance our water supply systems and to address the causes for high non-revenue-water index in the water sector will continue to receive close attention. PUC is aiming to reduce it from 55% to 25%, by continually replacing defective pipes and fittings in the water network and by promptly addressing complaints. This will lead to reduced water demand and help to address some of the water problems that Seychelles is experiencing. 

“This is why the government remains committed to assisting PUC with the development of water and power infrastructure. With the assistance from government and international donors PUC has already invested in a number of water projects for Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. For example, 95% of the work needed to raise La Gogue dam, Seychelles’ main reservoir by 6 metres, has been completed. Its storage capacity will increase from 1 million cubic metres to 1.6 million cubic metres of water. It is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2021, but only if there are no more delays due to Covid-19 pandemic.

“I call upon our future generation, you are the custodians of our fresh water sources, which have an enormous value and let today be the day that you start to make small efforts to help conserve water. Let today be the day that you start to adopt water efficient practices that will minimise wastage and invest in a rain water harvesting system. Whenever you see littering or pollution of rivers, inform the authorities concerned, remind yourself that rivers and fresh water sources are the cradle of life and without them, there is no life. Remember your actions today will have an impact on your lives tomorrow.

“Water is a valuable resource. Let us use it wisely, because every drops count!”

Flavien Joubert

Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment