What You Need to Know
Minister of Arts and Culture Mahendra Gondeea conducted a site visit at the National History Museum in Mahebourg to address safety concerns raised by residents regarding overgrown trees. Immediate interventions are planned to ensure safety, alongside ongoing renovations of the museum to preserve its historical significance.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A site visit was conducted, this morning, at the National History Museum in Mahebourg. The visit was led by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, and he was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Mauritius Museums Council, Mr Shiam Persand, and the Director of the National History Museum, Mr Deoraz Ramracheya.
Also present during the visit were representatives from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the Mauritius Police Force, the Special Mobile Force (SMF), the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), the Forestry Service Mauritius, the Mauritius Telecom, the Central Electricity Board (CEB) and the Grand Port District Council.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the current situation on site, particularly following requests from nearby residents regarding overgrown and potentially hazardous trees within the museum compound. Several trees, reaching heights of approximately 20 to 25 metres, were identified as posing safety concerns, thereby prompting discussions on the need for debranching and possible height reduction measures.
In a statement, Minister Gondeea indicated that the site visit was undertaken following concerns raised by nearby residents regarding overgrown trees posing significant safety risks, particularly during cyclonic conditions. He highlighted that several branches were extending dangerously close to houses, thereby creating fear and anxiety among occupants. He further noted that although authorisation for debranching had already been granted since 2023, the works had not yet been implemented. Consequently, he stated that a coordination meeting had been convened with all relevant authorities, including emergency services and utility providers, in order to address the situation urgently.
As a result, the Minister explained that immediate intervention has been scheduled, with the CEB set to initiate the trimming of branches near power lines, following which a joint operation involving the SMF and the MFRS will be carried out. He emphasised that the debranching exercise is expected to be completed within a maximum time frame of one week so as to ensure the safety and peace of mind of residents.
Furthermore, Minister Gondeea highlighted that although the museum is currently undergoing renovation, the scope of works has now been extended beyond initial roof repairs to include a more comprehensive restoration of the site. In this regard, he pointed out that museum artefacts will be safely relocated to facilitate the works while ensuring their preservation. Given the historical significance of the museum, he added that the project will be undertaken with great care and attention, with completion anticipated over a longer timeframe to ensure that restoration is carried out thoroughly and to the required standards.
The National History Museum in Mauritius is a significant cultural institution that showcases the island’s rich heritage. Over the years, it has faced various challenges, including the need for renovations and safety measures to protect both the artefacts and the visitors. The recent concerns about overgrown trees highlight the ongoing need for maintenance and community engagement to ensure the safety and preservation of such important sites. As Mauritius continues to develop, balancing heritage conservation with public safety remains a priority.
