In marking the event, GWPSA staff joined stakeholders in Durban, South Africa at the launch of the 2017 UN World Water Development Report. Commemorative events were held around the region. In Mauritius, celebrations have traditionally been held every year. This year, on this occasion, the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities in collaborations with the Central Water Authority (both GWPSA partners) and various local stakeholders collaborated to mark this very significant day by organising the following activities:
i. an exhibition on the theme “Water and Wastewater” from 21 to 24 March 2016 hosted by the Central Water Authority. Several local institutions participated in this activity namely the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Health and Quality of life, the Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity, and Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, the Forestry Services, the Irrigation Authority, the University of Mauritius, the Meteorological Services, the Rajiv Gandhi Scientific Centre, the Wastewater Management Authority and the Central Electricity Board. The aim of exhibition was to raise on water related issues focussed more particularly on the theme ‘Water and Wastewater’. Some 5500 visitors, mostly students of primary and secondary schools visited the exhibition during these four days;
ii. a short play competition for primary schools students on the theme of ‘Water – Use it Wisely’ as well as a power point presentation competition for secondary school students on the topic ‘Water- Using Recycled Water’ were also held concurrently with the exhibition. These activities have allowed the participating students to use their imagination and creativity while engaging them in research works about efficient use of water.
iii. during the same period, two main water treatment plants, namely the La Marie water treatment and the Pailles Water Treatment Plant as well as the Midlands dam were open to the students and public at large for visits with a view to sensitise the visitors on the importance of water and its purpose in our daily life.
iv. some 200 endemic trees were also planted at the Arnaud Dam on the 21 March 2017 with the support of students of the University of Mauritius.