Download logoGovernment is engaging with communities in the eastern and northern regions of Mauritius to gather their views and address concerns ahead of the implementation of the M4 Motorway project.
In this context, the Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, chaired a consultation meeting yesterday at the Lady Sushil Ramgoolam Social Welfare Centre in Caroline, bringing together inhabitants of the region to discuss the proposed project. The Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, and other personalities were also present.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Gunness said the consultations reflect Government’s commitment to transparency and public participation in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the project.
He explained that while the M4 Motorway project has been exempted from the requirement for an EIA certificate since 2021, Government has nevertheless decided to prepare and submit an EIA report. The consultations, he noted, provide an opportunity to engage directly with inhabitants, identify their concerns and suggestions, and take these into account in the preparation of the report. Further consultations are scheduled in Flacq and Rivière du Rempart.
On the implementation of the project, Minister Gunness indicated that exchanges of documents are ongoing with the Export-Import Bank of India and the Government of India. He said the project is at an advanced stage, with the financing agreement already signed, while the Detailed Project Report is awaited. The report will also inform the preparation of the EIA.
The Minister welcomed the interest shown by inhabitants of the eastern region, particularly their appreciation of the attention being given to environmental and ecological considerations. He added that the M4 Motorway will be built to international standards and will be the first motorway to pass through rural regions of Mauritius.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Mauritius.
