Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, proceeded with a tree planting ceremony, this afternoon, for the creation of a mini forest at Telfair in Moka.
The objective of this initiative is to compensate for the loss of trees which were felled in the context of road projects being implemented by the Road Development Authority (RDA) in accordance to the policy of the Forestry Services.
Also present at the event were: the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano; the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; Member of Parliament, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, and other personalities.
In a statement, the Prime Minister underscored that Mauritius is going through a major development phase, especially in terms of infrastructure throughout the island, and this requires that the environmental footprint be optimised as well.
Mr Jugnauth thus indicated that it is with this perspective in mind that Government has embarked on the policy of the Forestry Services of planting at least three trees for every one that is cut down. Similar initiatives include the construction of the Ebene Recreational Park and the Belle Vue Forest Trails, he noted.
Commending the public-private partnership between the ENL Group Mauritius and the Government, the Prime Minister outlined that this is yet another example of a partnership that paves the way for successful implementation of joints projects.
In the same vein, Mr Jugnauth elaborated on the mini forest being created on a plot of land of some 45 000 metres square on which native species will be planted.
He added that the land was chosen due to its ideal location, that is, next to the village of Telfair bordering the dual carriageway of the Reduit Triangle and will include a pedestrian access road and other amenities following its completion so that the public can benefit not only from visibility of the planted forest but also a place to relax and enjoy nature.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underlined that the creation of such mini forests will contribute considerably in mitigating the effect of climate change, which he observed will continue to worsen around the world. On that score, he informed that Government is investing massively in the construction of drains in regions with regular flooding.
However, Mr Jugnauth cautioned that the public needs to prepare themselves for the future as flash floods are becoming recurrent and even the most efficient drainage systems around the world cannot contain rainfall of above 100 millimeters in a small lapse of time.
He expressed heartfelt sympathies to all those who have suffered during the floods and reassured that the authorities concerned will ensure that compensations in the event of damage to foodstuffs and other specific cases are seen into.
Prime Minister Jugnauth, moreover, spoke of the tourism sector, highlighting that it has known a considerable boost post COVID-19 with direct flights from London to Mauritius and, more tourists coming from France, among others.
Future incentives as regards the tourism sector comprise: the launching of direct flights to Mauritius from Aeroflot, the largest Russian Airline and direct flights from China to Mauritius.
On this note, Mr Jugnauth emphasised the necessity to plan ahead and indulge in more hospitality projects in order to welcome more tourists to our island.
He, however, affirmed that all projects will be carried out bearing in mind the daily routine and religious practices of the local population. The Telfair Mini Forest
As per the conditions imposed by the Forestry Division in order to implement the La Vigie/La Brasserie/Beaux Songe Phase 1 Project, 13 315 plants must be regrown following the cutting down of 4 438 trees during the works.
The plantation of trees at Telfair are part of this initiative and will be carried out by the RDA through its appointed contractor, General Construction Co.
Ltd. It will comprise the planting of some 4 500 trees in two phases of 2500 and 2000 respectively. ENL is providing around 1 160 trees free of charge and the remaining 1 340 trees will be bought by the RDA from the Forestry Division. Furthermore, the RDA will carry out maintenance of these trees for an initial period of six months before handing over to ENL for onward maintenance.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
