Africa-Press – Mauritius. In a recently held policy dialogue meeting, the energy sector was the leading topic, highlighting the sector as a priority to Mauritius. Energy and public utilities were at the fore of discussions during the policy dialogue meeting held, in the context of the upcoming national budget 2022/23.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, met with the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Georges Pierre Lesjongard, to confer on key priorities for both fields. In a statement, Minister Lesjongard highlighted that discussions focused on energy, water and wastewater.
The energy sector remains a priority, especially in line with commitments taken on the international front that pertain to the implementation of measures to fight climate change and reduce gas emissions, he emphasised.
The Minister recalled that last year, Dr Padayachy had announced the government’s plan of making green energy one of the pillars of the country’s economy and as such important decisions were taken which include increasing the percentage rate of renewable energy to 60% and reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
Never miss a story. Join our community. The meeting, therefore, enabled the ministers to assess the situation, said Lesjongard.
He also shared that the roadmap of renewable energy has been reviewed to consider targets set for the sector and to ensure that these goals are achieved by 2030.
According to Minister Lesjongard, the proposals made during the present policy dialogue meeting are expected to fast-track projects for the sector and a substantial amount of public-private investments will be needed.
The ministers also requested the Finance Minister to create the necessary framework to move forward accordingly. In regards to the water sector, he pointed out that investment is required in this sector to implement projects in the future to enhance water distribution across Mauritius.
A foreign team visited the Central Water Authority and water distribution installation in Mauritius and a report is expected shortly, Minister Lesjongard said. Discussions are also ongoing with Indian authorities for the implementation of projects aiming to reduce non-revenue water, he announced.
Speaking about wastewater, the Minister indicated that proposals were submitted to the Finance Minister which includes the possibility of using treated water for irrigation.
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