The Mauritian government has announced an additional allocation of Rs 196.5 million to expedite the cleanup and desilting of drains and watercourses. This decision comes as the country prepares for the upcoming cyclone and heavy rain season. According to data presented to the National Assembly on October 27, a significant portion of the work remains to be completed. A total of 312.6 kilometers of infrastructure, comprising 175 kilometers of drains and 137.6 kilometers of rivers and watercourses, still require intervention.
The Minister of National Infrastructure, Ajay Gunness, revealed that the additional funds were released on October 26 to accelerate the works. Previously, an allocation of Rs 125 million was made in the 2026-2027 budget, part of which will cover outstanding payments for previous works. The Land Drainage Authority has developed a two-phase program, running from August to December and January to March, which includes the cleaning of drains, gutters, and culverts, as well as the desilting of watercourses.
According to the data presented to Parliament, 359.7 kilometers of drains have been cleaned, while local authorities have carried out works on 107.7 kilometers of rivers and watercourses. Additionally, the Road Development Authority has completed the cleaning of 65.8 kilometers of drains under its jurisdiction. These figures highlight the scope of the maintenance program and the work that still needs to be done.
The areas most vulnerable to flooding are eagerly awaiting the completion of the cleanup efforts. Residents in these zones are concerned about which projects will be finished before the onset of heavy rainfall. A detailed publication of the interventions by locality, along with their progress, would enable residents to better understand the preventive measures being taken.
The issue of illegal dumping of waste also complicates the maintenance of these infrastructures and can cause obstructions during heavy rainfall. The authorities face the challenge of completing the remaining 312.6 kilometers of infrastructure before the cyclone season peaks. The allocated funds will be crucial in ensuring that the necessary work is completed.
The government's efforts to accelerate the cleanup and desilting of drains and watercourses aim to reduce the risks in the most vulnerable sectors. The progress of the works and the reduction of risks in these areas will be closely monitored. The authorities must ensure that the allocated funds are used effectively to complete the remaining work.
The situation highlights the importance of effective infrastructure maintenance in Mauritius, particularly during the cyclone and heavy rain season. The government's proactive approach to addressing the issue is a step in the right direction. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the success of these efforts and the level of preparedness of the country's infrastructure.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has allocated an additional Rs 196.5 million to accelerate the cleanup and desilting of drains and watercourses ahead of the cyclone season.
- A total of 312.6 kilometers of infrastructure, comprising 175 kilometers of drains and 137.6 kilometers of rivers and watercourses, still require intervention.
- The authorities face the challenge of completing the remaining work before the onset of heavy rainfall and the peak of the cyclone season.
