Estelle Youssouffa, an MP for Mayotte’s First Constituency, called for action in the face of the serious water shortage situation gripping the French overseas territory, located in the Indian Ocean northwest of Madagascar.
This call to action, made during a live televised interview on Franceinfo, has significant points, particularly for France’s aid efforts in Morocco.
Youssouffa underscored the fundamental responsibility of the state to provide clean water to its citizens. “It is the responsibility of the state before the European Union and the United Nations to provide clean water to all its residents; it is an obligation.”
She described the deep concern about the situation stating, “There is a gap between promises and the actual realization of these projects. We, the citizens of Mayotte, still live as if in the Stone Age, using buckets… it’s shameful.”
The MP raised questions regarding France’s priorities, particularly in light of President Emmanuel Macron’s persistent attempts to deliver aid to Morocco, despite the fact that the Mayotte people continue to lack access to safe drinking water.
Morocco has consistently declined such assistance, asserting its sovereignty in choosing aid partners based on the kingdom’s specific needs.
Mayotte is experiencing its worst drought since the 1990s, with people subjected to strict water rationing, affecting the daily life of over 300,000 citizens. This scenario is aggravated by a rainfall shortfall, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate investment, all of which contribute to the water issue.
The French government has dispatched a container ship to deliver 600,000 liters of drinking water to Mayotte. Owing to immigration from neighboring locations, especially Comoros, the region confronts a 4% annual population growth rate, and authorities are concerned about potential conflicts owing to water scarcity and increased bottled water prices.
A six-liter package of water bottles typically costs between €4 and €5, but may cost up to €12, notwithstanding a July 18 instructions barring stores from raising their bottled water pricing.