Africa-Press – Mauritius. Existing environmental laws and regulations will be reviewed to introduce tougher penalties for noise pollution and nuisance cases, including community sentencing for repeat offenders.
The announcement was made, yesterday, by the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, during a press conference held in Port Louis, in the presence of the Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Joanna Marie Bérenger, and officials of the Ministry.
Mr Bhagwan recalled that noise pollution is detrimental to both quality of life and public health, affecting sleep, performance, productivity and mood. He reaffirmed Government’s determination to tackle the rising number of noise pollution cases, including noise emanating from vehicles playing loud music and modified exhaust pipes and engines, neighbourhood disturbances, the use of high-decibel sound equipment on beaches, as well as construction-related noise.
The Minister pointed out that during the 2024–2025 period, 269 complaints relating to noise pollution from vehicles, neighbourhoods, industries and beaches were lodged with the Police de l’Environnement. He referred to recent incidents, namely a fatal case in La Caverne following neighbourhood noise complaints, as well as a situation where police officers were confronted on the beach while issuing contraventions to individuals playing loud music through speakers, disturbing residents and other beachgoers.
According to Mr Bhagwan, addressing noise pollution is a shared responsibility and on that score he enjoined the population to show restraint and allow others to live in peace. The Minister indicated that, following discussions with the Commissioner of Police, there will be increased police presence on the ground for enforcement purposes. The Emergency Response Service will also take initiatives, while Divisional Commanders have been instructed to brief their officers on actions to deal with cases of noise pollution. In addition, training sessions on the matter will be provided to police officers by the State Law Office.
For her part, Mrs Joanna Marie Bérenger highlighted the growing problems linked to incivility and stated that Government envisages introducing community service as a corrective measure for repeat offenders involved in littering, illegal dumping and noise pollution. The initiative aims to foster a sense of community belonging while sensitising offenders to the importance of maintaining a safe, wholesome and healthy environment.
Moreover, the Junior Minister recalled the fundamental principle of respecting neighbours and others by avoiding noise pollution, and underlined the right of every Mauritian to enjoy a safe environment. that Government will intensify its sensitisation efforts. In 2025, the Ministry’s Information and Education Unit conducted 72 awareness sessions nationwide.
