Dana Chengan : “As we are celebrating our 50th Independence, it’s time to take a pledge to construct the ‘Mauritius that we want’”

This first January edition of News on Sunday comprises a candid interview with the President of MACOSS. Dana Chengan reviews the political, social and economic aspects of Mauritius in 2017. He also looks at the role of NGOs and how their services could be improved. He finally shares his expectations and plans for 2018 as President of MACOSS.

As President of MACOSS, how can you summarize the year 2017?
2017 has been a very challenging year, on the political, social and economic fronts. On the political side, however, the government has been able to play safe, in spite of a few conflicting situations. In the corpus, a lot of interpretations ensued, which created doubts in the public reflecting on the political volatility. Anyway, this forms part of our democracy and this may lead to some positive outcome in the behaviors of our future politicians.

On the economic side, the actual government, ever since they came into power, predicted an average of 5% economic growth, but unfortunately the growth was only 3.5%, 3.6% and around 3.9% for 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. Poverty has been on the increasing curve, resulting in lots of social issues. In spite of all commitments and efforts, this has created some back log, causing some pressure on 2017 to mend and adjust so as to put the country on the right track. However, it appears that the willingness of the current Prime Minister, who is quite forceful and determined, may lead the country towards more consequential tangible progress.

Are we still in a paradise island?  2017 has proved the contrary. The “feel good factor” is unfortunately not shared by the whole nation. The situation is quite worrying with illicit drugs, domestic conflicts and violence, alarming road accidents, pockets of poverty and the high level of non-communicable diseases, Diabetes, cardiovascular and mental health being on the rise.

This is affecting more than 25% of the population. However, we need to recognize as well the commitment and efforts of the government and the civil society in 2017 to counteract these alarming issues, with the Marshall Plan, social register, the introduction of the minimum salary, Negative Income Tax allowance and the commission on drugs. The social ills are further coupled with unemployment in 2017 at around 8.7%, being on the increase and the issue is that it might be ranged around 15% to 20% amongst the youth.

What are your views of the 2017 social ills such as drugs, fatal accidents, domestic violence, debt, morality, among others?
It is alarming to see drug traffickers and drug consumers almost everywhere in Mauritius. Our country is even being referred to as a hub to international drug trafficking. In 2017, the government and the authorities have seized lots of drugs coming through the airport and some high caliber drug traffickers have been arrested, but still, it seems that this was only a drop in the ocean.

Alternative drugs are also being used. We need to find more efficient ways to reduce drug trafficking. Today, the consumption of illicit drugs among our young people is leading to numerous problems such as black markets, money laundering, stealing, corruptions and other crimes. It’s time to react boldly at every level. A steering committee supported with regional structures should be set up to gather information, to study, to sensitize and to recommend appropriate measures with enforced severe laws to act promptly. 

The number of fatal road accidents in Mauritius is alarming. I believe that the number of cameras for controlling speed excess needs to be increased. Other ways and means to sensitize road users are equally important.

2017 has been marked with various issues at the social level. What are your views on the lack of citizenship, courtesy, etc. in the country?
Unfortunately, the consequences of lack of discipline, ethics, drugs and alcohol abuse, among others, lead to conflicting human behaviors, domestic violence, immorality and communalism.

A lot of these issues may be solved through our education system. However, it’s not only policies and educational curriculum that can bring changes but also the commitment and involvement of parents are most required. If only each one of us assume his share of responsibilities, only then can we say that we are blessed to be in a paradise.

What are your expectations for 2018?
2018 is an important year for the Mauritian citizens at large, we are celebrating our 50th Independence. It’s time to take a pledge to construct the “Mauritius that we want.” We just have to contribute in developing the social harmony among us.

No Violence, No drug exploitation, No corruptions, No Gender discrimination and supporting each other to bring good governance and ethical behaviors are my greatest expectations for 2018.

What has been the role of NGOs in 2017?
In fact, the NGOs have played a very important role in the socio-economic development of Mauritius in 2017. Unfortunately, just because most of us are volunteers, we are being undermined. However, we need to acknowledge the financial support from the NCSR. which has helped to implement our projects.

We are the drivers of change with our valued contribution towards an inclusive society. Our NGOs have been outstanding to support the vulnerable and we are involved in various matters such as health issues, human rights, handicapped, environment and poverty alleviation. 

Do you believe that the NGOs have failed in their mission in 2017?
Very often, I have heard people and sometimes politicians discrediting NGO activists.  May I take this opportunity to clarify these important incorrect interpretations?  Unfortunately, these appalling perceptions may only come from those whose cannot understand the sufferings and feelings of those who are really in need.

It will be great if some of these persons could visit the numerous schools of the handicapped, the NGOs taking care of those who are suffering from so many health issues (Epilepsy,  hemophilia, Dementia, Autism, muscular dystrophy, Lupus etc.), those working in pockets of poverty, among others. In most of the NGOs, the employees are not properly remunerated due to limited resources.  In fact, the services of NGOs complement the work of the government. We do require a lot of support to help us in our task.

Do you believe it’s time for NGOs to review their roles in 2018?
Transparency and accountability are a must to service providers such as the NGOs. Reinforcement of technical and management capacities may be reviewed to help the NGOs in updating their services with new technologies. On the overall, there may be room for improvement and these may be enforced through umbrella organization such as MACOSS.

What are your plans for 2018 as President of MACOSS?
We are struggling for an inclusive society with our NGOs and we apprehend a better integration. We will continue to advocate for the rights of the vulnerable. Lots of challenges are awaiting us in the field of training and empowerment, setting up thematic clusters, networking and partnership at all level and reinforcement of our capacity at regional level. We will introduce appropriate tools for self-assessment on projects and on the management of organizations. The element of trust is essential and we need to be more dynamic, transparent and accountable.