Visit to Île-aux-Bénitiers - Paul Bérenger: '50 Operators Authorized to Work Under Strict Control'
On Sunday morning, Paul Bérenger visited Île-aux-Bénitiers to assess the progress of cleaning efforts. Accompanied by several ministers, he highlighted the actions taken and the remaining challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger, alongside Shakeel Mohamed (Minister of Housing and Lands), Richard Duval (Minister of Tourism), and Fabrice David (Junior Minister of Agro-industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries), visited Île-aux-Bénitiers on April 27. This visit aimed to evaluate the ongoing cleaning work on the island. Atics Limited has been commissioned to carry out this cleaning, with results eagerly anticipated.
Bérenger expressed satisfaction with the progress while emphasizing that much work remains. "There is still a lot to clean, including inside the island and on the beach. Atics has a deadline, and we must continue relentlessly," stated the Deputy Prime Minister. To date, over 90 tons of waste have already been removed.
During his visit, Bérenger also announced that once the cleaning is completed, only about fifty operators would be permitted to conduct activities on the island, "under strict control." "A list of operators has been established, but there will be nothing permanent," he clarified, with the aim of protecting the environment while regulating tourism activities.
The management of islands is also a concern. Bérenger remarked: "Some islands are well managed, while others are in disaster with numerous illegal activities."
Shakeel Mohamed emphasized the need for a patient and coordinated approach. "It's not just Île-aux-Bénitiers that is affected. We must protect our environment while revitalizing our natural resources for the well-being of Mauritians and the tourism industry," he stated, urging operators to exhibit patience and understanding. He noted that work was not finished, but no steps would be abandoned.
The minister also revealed that more than 90 tons of waste had been collected on Île-aux-Bénitiers. He insisted: "We will continue until the island is completely cleaned."
Richard Duval took the opportunity to criticize the management of the island by previous authorities. "For ten years, nothing was done for this island. We will implement concrete measures to restore and preserve this natural site," he asserted. For him, the work done should allow everyone to benefit. Finally, in the absence of Arvin Boolell, Fabrice David reminded that Île-aux-Bénitiers could be divided into three zones, with two-thirds assigned to the National Parks and Conservation Service to ensure the protection of endemic species. It is worth noting that this visit took place without the presence of the deputies from constituency No. 14, Véronique Leu-Govind, Ravin Jagarnath, and Arvin Babajee.
