Africa-Press – Mauritius. Sociologist Sheila Bunwaree takes us on a tour of the current issues of concern to the country, starting with the appointment of an outsider to the National Audit Office. She comments on the official responses to the questions on the extended programme, the setting up of a new entity to oversee social housing and the importance of the latter for all citizens, the need for a united opposition to prevent another msm-led government from comingto power.
Mauritius Times:The latest controversy that hit the headlines, this week, relates to the appointment, contrary to the normal practice, of an outsider as director of theNational Audit Office (NAO) in replacement of Mr Charanjivsingh Romooah. Without putting in doubt the competence of the new director, Mr Dharamraj Paligadu, however the manner in which the appointment has been made has raised eyebrows and given rise to serious concerns about the continuing independence of the Office. How do you react to that?
Sheila Bunwaree: Nothing surprises us any more with the MSm-led government, particularly regarding the latter’s capacity to disrespect and flout our constitutional values and principles.
S 110 (1) of the Constitution clearly states that the appointment of the director of Audit ‘shall be made by the PSC, acting after consultation with the Prime Minster and the leader of the opposition….’ Not only does this procedure seem to have been ignored altogether, but as you mention, the person appointed is a ‘non cadre’ (outsider) of the NAO.
Assuming that this too is not a problem, we must however be sure that anyone appointed as Director of Audit has the necessary moral rigour to do what is expected of him with utmost integrity and to act independently. I do not know Mr Paligadu personally. He may be a very competent and impartial person, but such a Constitutional postdemands someone who will not cow down to the authorities, who will function in all transparency and independence.
I saw some comments about him. There is one in particular which struck me: “…que c’est un fonctionnaire consensuel…” When consensus borders on opacity and subservience, it can be very worrying. We are here dealing with a position which demands scrutiny to the finest detail – we are dealing with public funds. Accountability and transparency should be on top of the agenda.
When appointments are made in the manner that we have just seen, there is good reason to start doubting whether the person will be able to live up to the expectations of the post and the people.
* Another appointment at the New Social Living Development Ltd, a private company set up by the government with a budget of Rs 4.5 billion earmarked for the construction of 8000 housing units and that willnot come under the scrutiny of Parliament, is also raising some concerns. Isn’t it too early to say whether those concerns are justified or not?
Allow me to first and foremost ask whether the country really needed the setting up of NSLD Ltd at a time when it is heavily indebted and juggling with a multiplicity of mutually reinforcing crises such as climate change, inflation crisis, debt, the food crisis,etc. Havinga decent roof is a fundamental human right. It is the responsibility of any truly human-centred state to help those without shelter to find a safe refuge.Article 25 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that Mauritius has ratified recognises the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right.
Any logical person with a minimum understanding of what’s going on in terms of governance in this country, would tell you that the NSLD is here mostly to gobble up our very scarce resources and to create jobs for the cronies of the current regime except for a few meritorious professionals. Couldn’t the government ensure a better functioning of the NHDC, the National Empowerment Foundation, the ministry of housing and land Use Planning itself to ensure the construction and delivery of the new housing units?
It’s therefore not a question of being too early or not; concerns such as the one you express are most legitimate. The Minister of Housing’s response to a most pertinent question by Osman Mahomed regarding the 25% v/s the 10% (contrary to the regulations in place) paid to the 14 entrepreneurs hired for the construction of the 8000 social housing units, speaks volumes as to where we are heading.
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