A tranquil village in the Plaines-Wilhems region, Dubreuil, has been embroiled in a controversy over the construction of an absorption pit on the Mahatma Gandi Road. The pit, measuring 15m x 3m, was requested by a political agent working under Minister Ajay Gunness to prevent rainwater from entering his courtyard. However, residents claim that the agent's actions are unjust and that he has been persecuting them for years.
The issue began when the agent, whose identity has not been disclosed, blocked a drain in front of his house with a concrete slab, causing water to accumulate in his courtyard. Instead of being penalized, the agent obtained permission to construct an absorption pit on the road, which will be covered with a simple grille. Residents argue that this will lead to the spread of diseases, create a nuisance, and pose a danger to children.
The National Development Unit (NDU), under Minister Ajay Gunness's ministry, is funding the project. A responsible NDU employee had initially inspected the site and ordered the halt of works after receiving a petition from over 20 residents on September 24. However, another employee reversed this decision, allowing the construction to proceed immediately.
One of the affected residents, 72-year-old Vayen Chethumbrun, has begun a hunger strike in protest of the construction. He claims that the absorption pit will bring odors and mosquitoes to the area, making it unbearable for him and his neighbors. The residents are demanding that the construction be stopped and that the agent be held accountable for his actions.
The contract for the project has been awarded to Transinvest Construction Ltd, which claims to be building a drain, but residents say it's actually an absorption pit. The cost of the project remains unknown, and there are allegations that a subcontractor is being used, raising questions about the allocation of contracts.
The political agent in question has a history of controversy, having been arrested for assaulting a 54-year-old resident. Despite this, he was soon employed as a General Worker at the Moka District Council. Residents are outraged that he is being favored and that their concerns are being ignored.
The situation in Dubreuil remains tense, with residents continuing to protest against the construction of the absorption pit. The NDU and Minister Ajay Gunness's office have not commented on the issue, leaving many questions unanswered. The controversy highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the allocation of contracts and the execution of projects.
Key points
- A political agent's request for an absorption pit on Mahatma Gandi Road has sparked controversy among residents in Dubreuil.
- The construction of the pit has been criticized for its potential to cause health issues and inconvenience to residents.
- The project's funding and execution have raised questions about accountability and transparency.
