China donates 70 solar lamps for public beach enhancement

China has donated 70 solar lamps to improve the infrastructure of public beaches of the island. A handing-over ceremony was held on 3 November 2016 at Pointe aux Sables public beach where the first five solar lamps have been installed. Twelve other public beaches will benefit from this initiative. This alternative energy source is free and requires cheap maintenance cost and is in line with the government’s endeavour towards greater use of renewable energy.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, the Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Disaster & Beach Management, Mr Alain Wong, observed that this gesture attests to China’s longstanding support that goes beyond material funding. “This symbolic donation will again serve to consolidate the deep diplomatic ties that Mauritius and China share,” he stressed.

Mr Wong underlined that China has over the years supported Mauritius in its development in the form of various financial and technical assistance. He mentioned key infrastructure projects such the SSR International airport, the Anjalay Stadium and the headquarters of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. Recent projects include the air corridor and the implantation of Bank of China in Mauritius

For his part, the Ambassador of China to Mauritius, Mr Li Li, expressed his interest to help Mauritius tackle the pollution problem in the pursuit of economic development and mainstreaming of sustainable development by sharing its expertise and technology. 

Speaking about the rapid economic developments taking place globally, Mr Li Li highlighted that the environment problem is now a pressing issue. The fragile environment as a consequence of climate change should be safeguarded. Hence the need, he said, to adopt sustainable policies as regards to energy practices. He assured that China will assist Mauritius in undertaking this task.  

Also present at the ceremony, the General Manager of the Beach Authority, Dr Dhuneeroy Bissessur, welcomed the assistance of China in enabling the Authority to carry forward its mission of creating ‘5 star beaches,’ which is to provide clean, secure and embellished beaches.