Africa-Press – Mauritius. The swing bridge will enhance the experience of Mauritians and tourists who wish to visit the capital. This was argued by Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Housing and Lands, on Tuesday in Parliament during the debates surrounding “The Caudan Bridges Port Louis Amendment Bill”.
Caudan Development Ltd, he said, had bought the bridge in Cape Town in 2021. It had been disassembled to allow it to be transported to Mauritius by sea.
Aroop Consultations then proceeded to its assembly in Mauritius. The cost of this bridge is Rs 16 M. After obtaining the “Land and Building Permit”, it was installed on land belonging to the Mauritius Ports Authority.
The public will be able to access it at Suffren and Odysseo. The swing bridge will cross the Caudan. Minister Obeegadoo pointed out that under the Civil Code, when a project is in the public domain, an “act of Parliament” is necessary.
After consultations with several authorities, he added, no objections were raised but certain conditions must be met. The bridge must be operational only during the day.
It will be closed during inclement weather. It will be placed under the supervision of two operators and will be constantly under camera surveillance.
For this project, an “Environmental Impact Assessment” is not necessary. Caudan Development Ltd will maintain it so that it poses no danger to the public.
The bridge remains the property of the government and Caudan Development Ltd will have to pay the municipal costs. The bridge was also designed for people with disabilities.
In his “summing up”, Minister Obeegadoo concluded that this project is “a perfect example of Public and Private Partnership” for a “win-win” situation”.
Steven Obeegadoo also argued that this bill is simply an amendment to the law that has already existed since 1996. Osman Mohamed: “Why a bill after construction?”
Labor MP Osman Mohamed for his part pointed out that this bill is different from others because the construction of the bridge has already been done and the bill debated after the completion of the project.
“Everyone, he said, knew that the bridge was going to oscillate on the Caudan but why is the ministry presenting this bill after construction?” “We are faced with a fait accompli.
Is it because Caudan Development Ltd has realized that it cannot operate without a permit? There is a serious problem of coordination between the authorities”, affirms the deputy.
And to add: “The municipality has already granted the “Land and Building Permit”. This could have had serious repercussions if there had been technical problems.
Which authority would have assumed the responsibility and who would have paid for it if there had been complaints? Osman Mohamed said that any structure that overhangs the waters is at risk of corrosion.
This bridge is not new, he pointed out. Salim Abbas Mamode: “A bridge that will solve the traffic jam problem” This bridge, believes MSM MP Salim Abbas Mamode, will help solve the traffic jam problem.
The government is undertaking major road decongestion projects, he said, and this bridge will be a big help. It will also allow the inclusion of people with disabilities.
“It would be nice if the ministry could step in and work with developers to ensure that access for cyclists and non-motorized vehicles is also taken into account,” he said.
Salim Abbas Mamode noted that permits are approved with conditions. “Pedestrian Swing Bridges are also tourist attractions and beautify a locality as well as being useful.
This bridge will also serve as a connection between Les Salines and Le Caudan. “Where art merges to give singular experiences”, concluded the deputy. Aadil Ameer Meea: “Safety is paramount”
Purple MP Aadil Ameer Meea pointed out that this region belongs to the public domain, hence the need for a bill. “We don’t really have any objections to this bill, but we need clarification about user safety.
” After paying a visit, he said he was surprised to see that the bridge had already been built and was ready for use. Aadil Ameer Meea wanted to know if all the permits were obtained and when they were.
The purple deputy indicated that there are several conditions attached to safety and wonders if there have been geotechnical analyzes and quality and safety inspections in connection with this bridge. Aadil Ameer Meea stresses the importance of maintaining quality and safety on this bridge.
Citing examples where people have lost their lives after bridges have failed in other countries, the purple MP insists on the importance of having all the information relating to the inspections that have been carried out.
Sanjit Kumar Nuckcheddy: “An essential development” “When I was in high school and studying biology, I learned that there are seven characteristics of living things.
Mobility is one of the characteristics of the human being”, supported the deputy of the majority Nuckcheddy during his intervention. “Movement should not be in an uneconomic manner”, he believes. This bridge, he adds, comes at an opportune time with court changes in the country.
Sanjit Kumar Nuckcheddy points out that bridges contribute to the essential development of a country and that this bill clarifies the party concerned who will bear the damages in the event of problems.
Dorine Chukowry: “This bridge will promote an eco-friendly approach” MP and PPS Dorine Chukowry is of the opinion that this swing bridge will be a dedicated route for pedestrians and will reduce the risk of accidents.
It will improve the quality of life of local residents. “Access to facilities will be better. It will provide an inclusive and safer environment for all people.
Everyone can participate fully in all economic activities”, assures Dorine Chukowry. She dwelled on the resolution of traffic congestion problems thanks to this bridge and the opportunities it offers for outdoor activities.
This bridge, concluded the MP, is an essential project that will not only beautify the locality but offer a unique experience to Mauritians and tourists.
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