Republic of Mauritius- Local Government lies at the core of any country’s activity and development strategy, says VPM Husnoo

He recalled the role of the local authorities who have been active in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic during the confinement period ranging from activities comprising scavenging, cleaning, distribution of foodstuffs, consumer protection and disinfection of markets, market fairs, traffic centres and bus shelters.

He further reiterated the fundamental role that local authorities will be called upon to play for the prevention of a new surge of COVID-19 cases in the post-confinement phase.

In his intervention, Dr Husnoo dwelt on the measures enunciated for his Ministry and added that a sum of over Rs 872 million has been allocated for local authorities for the financial year 2020-2021 for completion and implementation of new major infrastructural projects. They are: Market Fair at Bel Air and Goodlands; District Council Headquarters at Calebasses and Flacq; Multipurpose Complex at NHDC Complex, Geranium, Camp Levieux and Rte Militaire in Port-Louis; and 18 incinerators across the island.

Among new projects which will kickstart in 2020/21 are: Renovation of Plaza Theatre Phase III; Market Fairs at Mahebourg, Pamplemousses, Chemin Grenier and Bambous; District Headquarters at Souillac; Multipurpose Complexes at Plaine Verte, Abercrombie and Rivière du Rempart; One Stop Shop at Montagne Blanche; and Sports Centre at Plaine Verte. 

Solid Waste management

Regarding solid waste management, new set of measures to tackle the problem have been enunciated namely: the concept of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Recover to protect the environment and address the challenge of climate change. Local authorities will also carry out composting of green waste from markets to be used as bio fertilizers in their green spaces. Other new projects consist of the computerisation of the local government systems with the help of the Ministry of Information and Technology and the project of LAMP (Local Active Mauritius Partnership) would be started in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. 

As far as the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council is concerned, a Protocol on Heavy Rainfall for the Private Sector has been finalised.

Mauritius Meteorological Services

Modernisation of the Mauritius Meteorological Services will be pursued over the next five years to meet the increased demand of timely and accurate weather forecast and warning services. Furthermore, to strengthen socio-economic resilience to climate variability and climate change, a National Framework for Climate Services will be set up. Moreover, the Doppler Weather Radar at Trou aux Cerfs will contribute to a more accurate weather forecast, including tracking of tropical cyclones and other severe weather conditions.

Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services

An amount of Rs 413 million has been earmarked for the modernising process and provision of necessary equipment to the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services so as to respond to emergencies promptly and in the best possible conditions. They include: a 55-metre Articulated Hydraulic Platform to be delivered by end of June 2020; procurement of Firefighting and Rescue vehicles; one HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) vehicle and one Swift Water Rescue vehicle and two Water Tenders are in the process of acquisition; and two vehicles fitted with an Ultra-HighPressure System to fight fires on the Agaléga Island is in process of being acquired for fire coverage.