Louis Mussington: “Water is my priority”
The President of the Collectivité wished to clarify the current crisis situation. For him, this is a matter of political and moral responsibility towards the population. With no water, schools are closing, life is becoming even more difficult for vulnerable people, and the economy is also being affected. An update on the short- and long-term solutions being considered.
On Wednesday morning, during a press conference, Louis Mussington reflected on his remarks at the last territorial council meeting. Whilst he does not condone the untimely intervention by one of his territorial councillors – which he considers unacceptable and a sign of disrespect towards the President of the Collectivité – he acknowledges that the criticisms levelled at SAUR are justified. However, his primary aim is to reassure the public that ensuring a constant supply of tap water for all citizens remains his top priority.
Putting pressure on SAUR
The President cannot deny the difficulties between his water authority and SAUR and acknowledges that the latter has indeed failed to honour its contract. “We must put pressure on SAUR to fulfil its role as the service provider,” he stated. The post-Irma repairs have not been sufficient. I was warned that the plant was at risk of failing, not only because it was dilapidated, but also because no maintenance work had been carried out. The right measures were not taken at the time, believes the President, who points out that upon taking office, the Collectivité purchased two pumps and the EEASM a mobile unit… but one that was never installed, he regrets. The decision today, in agreement with the Prefecture and SAUR, is to allocate the necessary funds to the works deemed essential, estimated at between €9 and €10 million.
New allocation of European funds
The Prefecture has rightly pointed out that the ERDF funds granted risk being automatically decommitted on 31 December 2026 if the appropriations are not used. It is therefore sensible, the President notes, to immediately allocate part of the funds to the necessary emergency measures. Of the €18 million in ERDF funds due to expire, €10 million had been earmarked for the construction of the new plant. The President, in agreement with the Prefecture, wishes to redirect these funds towards the renovation of the plant, the purchase of two new pumps, or even a new mobile unit, and the repair of the existing one. The aim is to keep it running for another four or five years. An amendment will be signed with SAUR to enable this work to be carried out, and the President fully intends to highlight the concessionaire’s failings, particularly as the EEASM is now in a position to monitor the operations carried out.
He is not, however, neglecting the construction of the new plant, but not all the conditions are in place. The site selected is the one currently occupied by Soremar. Although its operating licence has not been renewed, the concessionaire is nevertheless negotiating its departure. Regarding funding, several meetings have taken place at the prefecture and the partners have indeed made commitments, but they are questioning the changes to the proposals: the plant currently produces 4,000 m³ of water; the project had envisaged 9,000 m³, but ultimately the requirements will amount to 13,000 m³ per day. The cost of the project is therefore likely to rise from €35 million to €45 million. The Collectivité has committed to a financial contribution of €12 million and was due to pay an initial instalment of €6 million in 2025 and the balance in 2026. I regret that this sum has not been paid, but €4 million has been set aside in the 2026 budget.
Finally, the President states that the Collectivité is prepared to purchase water from GEBE to get the population out of this impasse.
