As Mauritius gears up for year-end festivities, the news remains eventful. The launch of Farm Living in Ferney reflects the nation's ecological commitment through a groundbreaking agriresidential initiative blending housing and biodiversity preservation. Meanwhile, in Port Louis, authorities take flood-prevention measures with the planned demolition of two strategic parking lots. Simultaneously, the Bank of Mauritius has issued a warning about counterfeit foreign banknotes circulating in the country.
Ferney unveils Farm Living: A visionary agriresidential project
CIEL Group has launched Farm Living, a pioneering agriresidential concept in Ferney, spanning 80 hectares of agricultural land. Nearly all of the 76 plots have already been sold, with project completion slated for 2025.
Branded as an “Agrihood”, this innovative model merges sustainable living with eco-friendly agriculture. Homeowners will adhere to stringent green guidelines, which mandate low-carbon construction methods, responsible farming practices, and the installation of solar energy systems.
Reforestation is a cornerstone of the project, with 17 hectares designated for planting endemic species such as Poupartia borbonica, ebony trees, and Takamaka. This effort aims to bolster the island's biodiversity.
Aligned with broader sustainability goals, Farm Living complements the existing Ferney Agri-Hub, which already supports over 15 agri-entrepreneurs specializing in sustainable farming practices.
Port Louis plans demolition of Rogers and Air Mauritius parking lots
The Port Louis Municipality is set to demolish the Rogers and Air Mauritius parking structures located along the Pouce Stream. This move forms part of a proactive flood-prevention strategy ahead of the heavy rainfall season.
Lord Mayor Isoop Nujurally announced that an agreement with the two companies is imminent to facilitate the demolition process. The initiative seeks to clear the waterway's path and mitigate flooding risks, following the catastrophic events of 2013.
The project will also involve dismantling infrastructure beneath the Pouce Stream bridge, including staircases and other installations. These actions align with judicial recommendations issued in December 2015 regarding flood-prone zones management.
However, no alternative parking solutions for Rogers and Air Mauritius have been disclosed at this stage.
Counterfeit alert: Bank of Mauritius urges vigilance
The Bank of Mauritius has issued a public alert about the circulation of counterfeit foreign banknotes on the island. In a recent statement, the central bank emphasized that it cannot authenticate foreign currencies.
The regulator has called on citizens to exercise heightened caution and report any suspicious notes to law enforcement authorities without delay. As the sole entity authorized to issue and regulate the Mauritian rupee, the Bank of Mauritius clarified that it has no jurisdiction over foreign currencies.
