First Anniversary of the Change Government: Disillusionment in the Face of High Cost of Living

One year after the change in government, does the promise of relief against the high cost of living hold up? Families, employees, and retirees share their experiences of what has truly changed in their daily lives.

Nooriena Yacoob, an Administrative Officer, expresses that like many Mauritians, she is struggling with rising living costs. Her monthly expenses have noticeably increased, particularly for food, transportation, and electricity. "Compared to last year, my expenses have gone up significantly, especially for basic goods. Even buying in bulk doesn't help; fuel and electricity bills are heavier on the budget. My income hasn't increased at the same rate, so I must be more careful with every penny spent," she explains.

She also notes a significant rise in costs related to her children, stating that school-related expenses have become more expensive, and even small outings have turned into luxury items that need prior planning. To manage her budget, she has had to cut back on certain purchases, opting for local or promotional brands and limiting dining out.

Saving money has become challenging, as she rarely sets aside funds anymore. "I used to save a little every month, but now it’s rare. Thankfully, I haven’t taken on large debts, but sometimes I do fall behind on payments when multiple bills are due at once," she adds.

Overall, she feels her standard of living has declined. "I would say I live a little worse than a year ago, mainly due to decreasing purchasing power. We adapt, stay positive, and do our best, but the reality is that everything is getting more expensive except for salaries. I hope the situation improves, as many families feel the same financial pressure daily," she concludes.

Swaraj Ram, a 34-year-old IT professional, also reports a significant increase in his expenses, particularly for food and transport, without any changes to his monthly income. He has limited non-essential spending and has taken on freelance work to cover unexpected costs. He admits saving is very difficult and often ends up using any savings for urgent expenses.

Aboo Samad Aullybux, a 69-year-old retiree, notes a 15% increase in his monthly budget, mainly in food and health expenses, while his pension hasn't changed. He struggles to save and is concerned about the taxes imposed on retirement pensions.

Gilbert Koon, a married father of two, observes that despite salary increases, purchasing power has weakened due to rising prices. He must adjust his family's spending habits to stay afloat.

Lastly, Romy Mootoosawmy, a recent retiree, explains how he manages to get by on his pension, which has not kept pace with rising costs. He feels fortunate not to have any debt, but his limited income forces him to make sacrifices. He reflects on how expensive life has become and expresses a desire to live elsewhere if he were younger.

As the first anniversary of the Change government approaches, many are left wondering how the promises made have translated into reality amidst growing financial pressures.