Africa-Press – Mauritius. The priority of local authorities remains the safety of all citizens as the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) is forecasting heavy rains that are expected to impact the country from 27 to 29 April 2021.
The Vice-Prime Minister (VPM), Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, made this statement, this afternoon, following site visits in the villages of Souillac, Chemin Grenier and Chamouny, with the aim to take stock of the situation following the recent heavy rains in these regions which resulted in flash floods and of the remedial measures being undertaken by the authorities.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo, the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Hurreeram, Members of Parliament and other personalities were also present.
In a statement, VPM Husnoo highlighted that some families from Le Batelage in Souillac will temporarily be relocated in houses of the National Housing Development Company, until remedial works following landslides in the area are completed so as to ensure their safety.
He pointed out that the contract for required works so as to mitigate landslides in the region have already been allocated. Furthermore, Dr Husnoo underlined that authorities will put in place a diversion so as not to put life of users at risk if the road at Le Batelage becomes impracticable with the forecasted heavy rains.
Works to be undertaken at Chemin Grenier, so as to avoid flooding in the short term, he pointed out, include redirecting running water precipitations towards a cave in the fields, away from the inhabited area.
In addition, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service will be on stand-by on a 24/7 basis in the region so as to ensure timely intervention in case of flooding.
As regards Chamouny, one of the main issues is the overflow of the river into sugarcane fields and houses. One remedial measure is the dredging of the river so as to avoid such overflow in case of heavy rain.
Prior to the site visits, VPM Husnoo and Minister Hurreeram had a meeting at Bambous Virieux multipurpose complex with representatives of the Special Mobile Force, the Land Drainage Authority, the Road Development Authority and the National Development Unit, amongst others.
Discussions focussed on works being undertaken at Bambous Virieux, Providence, Bois des Amourettes and Rivière des Créoles following the recent flooding in these regions. Preparedness measures and contingency plans were also on the agenda.
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