The week saw significant events, including the inauguration of a cutting-edge cruise terminal in the capital and the introduction of a new anti-drug campaign and an ecological water management system at Pointe d'Esny Le Village.
Cruise terminal inauguration in Port-Louis
Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth officially opened the Port-Louis Cruise Terminal on December 11. The state-of-the-art terminal, with an investment of Rs 900 million, covers an operational area of 7,500 square meters and has the capacity to host up to 4,000 passengers. It aligns with the MPA's 'Green Port' principles, emphasizing a sustainable blue economy and preservation of the environment and the port city's heritage. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the tourism sector, benefiting local businesses, the national economy, and strengthening Mauritius' position within the Vanilla Islands Association, promoting collaborative tourism efforts across the Indian Ocean islands.
Launch of "United Against Drugs" campaign
Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth reaffirmed his commitment to combating drug abuse through the "United Against Drugs" campaign. Emphasizing the importance of education and awareness, he highlighted two recent government initiatives: the re-registration of SIM cards and the establishment of the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). The FCC, currently under discussion in the National Assembly, aims to consolidate the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), the Integrity Reporting Services Authority (IRSA), and the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) to enhance the fight against crime. However, concerns have been raised about the project's controversy, particularly regarding the Director General's investigative powers and concerns about potential abuses of power and nepotism due to their direct appointment by the executive.
Triton system launch at Pointe d'Esny Le Village
Recently, Pointe-d'Esny Le Village introduced the Triton system, an innovation dedicated to preserving coastal wetlands and managing stormwater. Funded in part by Sunref Maurice and the €85 million green credit line from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), this project aims to enhance Mauritius's resilience to the climate emergency. The Triton system, utilizing retention basins, captures, filters, and gradually percolates rainwater into the wetlands, regulating its flow and purifying it before reaching the lagoon.
Spanning 36 hectares designated as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), the development emphasizes rainwater management as crucial. Triton, with its retention basins, aims to minimize the impact on these areas, reducing flooding risks in the project area. The developer, GVB, is committed to restoring buffer zones around wetlands by replanting native plant varieties. The project's goal is to mitigate risks, protect the environment, and restore local biodiversity through tree and shrub replanting, as well as the gradual reintroduction of endemic birds and reptiles once the vegetation matures.
