Central Water Authority Act 1971
Into Force 19 July 1971 (act 20 of 1971)

Abstract

This Act deals with the control, development and conservation of water resources.

Under Part II of the Act deals with an Authority (a body corporate) whose main function is the control of water resources. (section 3 and 4). A board shall also be instituted for such purpose (section 7) and various representatives assigned by the Minister shall constitute the members. Under section 6 the Minister has the power to give any direction he deems fit in the public interest and the Authority shall abide by it.

Under Part 111 of the Act, there also be a General Manager (section 14) whose shall act according to the directions given to him by the Board. Other section of the same part deals with the appointment of the staffs for the proper running of the Authority.

Part IV if the Act deals with the function of the Authority by virtue of section 20 which makes the latter the sole undertaker for the supply of water for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes in Mauritius. In the exercise of the supply of water, the Authority has wide powers by virtue of section 21.

Part V of the Act deals with the financial provisions of accounts including the power to charge fees and to borrow money (section 24 and 29 respectively)

Part VII deals with the legal proceedings amongst which any suit against the Authority shall be the subject of one moth written notice (section 37) and the protection of the officer of the Authority from any civil or criminal liability pursuant to the Public Officers Protection Act (section 40). The Authority is immune for any legal proceedings against the impurity, irregularity and insufficiency of supply. (section 42)
Under Part VIII of the Act, gives the Authority the power to issue permit for the construction of water works (section 46). Section 46A prohibits anyone from discharging polluted water underground or into any canal, river, stream, lake, reservoir or lagoon. Any contravention to the above is an offence.

Under section 47 the authority shall also be exempted form any tax and duties

Comment: This Act also amends section 21A Collection of wastewater fees, rates, charges and other dues.

Keywords: polluted water, wastewater, chemicals, water rights and environment

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