Africa-Press – Mauritius. A workshop focusing on the theme, ‘Building the Future – The contribution of Engineers in the development of Mauritius’, organised by the Institution of Engineers of Mauritius (IEM) on the occasion of the twin celebration of the National Engineers Day and its 75th anniversary celebrations, was held, this morning, at the University of Mauritius Campus, Ebène.
The Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard, was present on the occasion. The workshop addressed topics including the past, present and future of residential buildings as well as the future of the water sector in Mauritius.
In his address, Minister Lesjongard spoke about the crucial input of engineers with regards to catering for the vital human needs of water and energy which, he underlined, are at the very centre of all economic and social development.
The IEM, he recalled, being a member of the World Federation of Engineering Organisation, as well as the Commonwealth Engineers Council, the Federation of African Engineering Organisation and the Southern Africa Federation of Engineering Organisation, is a key partner in the socio-economic development of modern Mauritius.
Minister Lesjongard remarked that today’s workshop forms part of IEM’s joint collaboration with the University of Mauritius in organising workshops on subjects related to water security and building better infrastructures at reduced costs.
Speaking about the water sector, the Minister underlined that Mauritius, being a small island, inevitably faces serious challenges because of the increasing impact of climate change on the country as a whole and, by extension, on the water resources and electricity production of the island.
Engineers have to be involved in constantly rethinking, finding solutions to these problems, as well as explore possibilities and formulate solutions that are not only unique, but also, within budget, he stressed.
According to him, it is imperative that in parallel with Government investment in water, electricity and other infrastructures, the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies must be fostered to adapt and to face the accelerated impact of climate change.
He also pointed out that the concept of sustainability should be at the core of any country’s development today. He further encouraged local engineers to be kept fully abreast of the latest emerging technologies, whilst adopting green measures in various projects.
The contribution of engineers, namely their technical know-how and innovative methods being essential to implement projects like water security, construction of roads, buildings, and bridges was underpinned by the Minister. Your input in all areas of the development of Mauritius are vital to developing a better Mauritius for all, he added.
Besides, Minister Lesjongard reiterated Government’s vision in transforming Mauritius into a high income, inclusive and green country, and by so doing, maximise the use of renewable energy technology, including innovative technologies.
The IEM, being mindful of future challenges, should call for a different breed of engineers with the capacity to solve new emerging problems and come up with innovative and mitigative solutions, he stated.
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