What You Need to Know
The Cut-Off Drain Project in Forest Side, Curepipe, was launched with a budget of Rs 138 million to address recurrent flooding. The project, expected to be completed by April 2027, includes the construction of various drainage systems to improve infrastructure and prevent flooding in densely populated areas.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. Phase One of the Cut-Off Drain Project at NHDC Jasmins in Curepipe, funded to the tune of some Rs 138 million, was officially launched yesterday at 16e Mille, Forest Side, by the Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness. The project is expected to be completed in April 2027.
The Mayor of Curepipe, Mr Dhaneshwar Bissonauth, and other personalities were present at the launching ceremony.
In a statement, Minister Gunness highlighted that the NHDC Jasmins area in Forest Side has experienced recurrent flooding due to inadequate drainage infrastructure in densely populated residential zones. He pointed out that the design for Phase One of the project has been finalised and that the National Development Unit has awarded the contract to Gamma Construction Ltd.
The works comprise the construction of a 4-metre-wide, 2-metre-deep and 8-metre-long culvert; a 3-metre-wide and 2-metre-deep masonry drain over 775 metres; and a 4-metre-wide and 2-metre-deep masonry drain over 845 metres, discharging into the proposed culvert. They also include, amongst others, the excavation of trial pits to identify existing services such as the Central Water Authority network, the Central Electricity Board network, telecommunications lines and sewer lines along the proposed alignment of the box culvert.
Minister Gunness remarked that the project will entail traffic diversion along the A10 Road near the roundabout for the construction of the culvert, taking into consideration the investigative works required to identify buried services, as well as the physical construction works.
He moreover called upon citizens to avoid littering, which may lead to the obstruction of drains, and recalled that funds have already been allocated to the 12 local authorities for the cleaning of drains and the desilting of rivers across Mauritius.
Mauritius has faced challenges with flooding, particularly in urban areas where drainage systems are often inadequate. The government has recognized the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate these issues, leading to initiatives like the Cut-Off Drain Project. This project aims to enhance the drainage capacity in Forest Side, a region that has experienced significant flooding due to heavy rains and urban development pressures. By investing in such infrastructure, the government hopes to protect residents and property from future flood risks.
