As of October 30, Mauritius has recorded 125 road deaths, surpassing the total of 124 fatalities reported for the entire year of 2025. This represents a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 102 people lost their lives on the roads. The number of fatal crashes has also risen, with 122 incidents reported in just ten months, 26 more than the same point last year.
Pedestrians have been disproportionately affected, with 41 fatalities recorded, a nearly 58% increase from the 26 pedestrian deaths reported during the same period in 2025. Motorcyclists and older residents continue to be among the most vulnerable groups. These fatal crashes are not limited to highways but occur on ordinary crossings, village roads, and during night rides, which make up most of the journeys in Mauritius.
The current rate of road deaths in Mauritius is alarming, with one person dying on the roads approximately every two and a half days. With two months remaining in the year, the toll is expected to rise further. The authorities have been urged to take immediate action to address this issue and prevent further loss of life on the roads.
In a separate development, the Central Water Authority (CWA) in Mauritius has received a team of nine water specialists from Singapore to audit and repair the state's water grid. The two-month mission, funded by a 33 million euro package from the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to address the significant water losses in the network, particularly in the East, where 73% of the water pumped is lost to leaks and unbilled use.
The water loss issue in Mauritius is a pressing concern, with a significant portion of the water pumped into the network failing to reach paying customers. The CWA and the government have been working to address this issue, and the assistance from the Singaporean experts is expected to help identify and rectify the problems.
In other news, Senegal's parliament has rejected a budget tied to a $2.2 billion IMF rescue package, which could make it more challenging for the country to secure the funding. The IMF programme was intended to reassure lenders and stabilize the country's strained public finances, but the rejection of the budget has raised concerns about Dakar's ability to close its financial gap.
Meanwhile, in the United States, midterm elections were held, billed as a verdict on President Trump's leadership. The elections could potentially reshape the president's second term, with counting underway to determine the balance of power in Congress. The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for Trump's agenda and the country's future.
Key points
- 125 road deaths recorded in Mauritius by October 30, surpassing the 2025 total
- Pedestrian fatalities increase by 58% compared to the same period in 2025
- Senegal's parliament rejects budget tied to $2.2 billion IMF rescue package
