Pravind Jugnauth : an appeal to be vigilant and not to practice careless dumping

Following a special meeting of the Council of Ministers after all the cyclonic warnings were removed, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth held a press conference on Thursday night. He said that due to the serious danger that the Tropical Cyclone Berguitta represented for the island, much sensitization was done with the public to take the maximum precaution. “We are happy that the Mauritians have listened to the instructions and we are happy that there has been no human loss,” uttered Pravind Jugnauth.

The Prime Minister explained that a meeting of the Council of Ministers took place before the coming of Berguitta in order to take necessary dispositions. “Thankfully, the authorities have taken the necessary steps earlier by carrying out repair works on the drains. Or else, the situation would have been worse.” Pravind Jugnauth said that he sympathized with those who have been most affected by the cyclone in Mauritius as well as in Rodrigues.

He also made an evaluation of the situation at different levels. “There have been no damages at the airport. The activities will start normally tomorrow morning (Friday 19th January). In addition, no material damages have been recorded at the port. The port activities are due to also start tomorrow (Friday 19th January) but the sea situation will be taken into consideration because of swells.”

Regarding Health and Safety, Pravind Jugnauth appealed to the population to take the necessary precautions following the heavy rainfall. “We strongly advise the public to boil tap water before consumption as health issues like gastroenteritis is likely to occur. They must also be cautious regarding food. I also appeal to people to keep their environment clean… It is due to careless dumping that many places have suffered from water accumulation and floods. People must be conscious of these environmental issues,” he stated.

At the energy level, the PM said that there have been damages in some regions but assured that the government and the Central Electricity Board are working hand in hand to restore the situation. He also reassured that water distribution will be reestablished normally soon. Pravind Jugnauth, however, stated that major damages have been noted at the public infrastructural level.

“Several roads, drains and bridges have been damaged. Evaluation is ongoing in order for the authorities to carry out the necessary repairs,” he explained. However, Pravind Jugnauth stated that great loss has been noted at the agricultural level. “Crops, vegetable and fruit plantations have been affected. “There has been loss even in sugarcane fields in some regions. An evaluation of the damages is ongoing.

Consequently, this will affect our industrial and export sectors as well as our economy. It is a great loss for the country. Moreover, many tourists have cancelled their trips to the island due to the cyclone. This will also have an impact on our economy and inflation will go up, as we will have to import vegetables.”

On the other hand, the PM praised the National Disaster Committee for the work done on a 24/7 basis. “They have done a constant and extraordinary monitoring of the situation. I must also congratulate the National Coast Guard, the SMF, the Fire Services, the Hospital staff and even the media, among others, that were on the ground and who have done a great job.”
Regarding the controversial statement made by the Minister of Environment Etienne Sinatambou, Pravind Jugnauth said that they have been simply following the protocol.

“It is a protocol at the international level because we cannot expect to cook (for kitchens to run). It is also a question of public health, as we do not have the assurance that some foods would not be stale… People are not looking at the (good) work that has been done so far.” He explained that the necessary measures have been taken in order to provide those in the shelters with three meals per day.

“I would like to thank the Ministers, PPS, deputies, authorities like the Prison, NGOs, volunteers and all Mauritians who have helped in providing food to the shelters.” He explained that an Evacuee Allowance will be allocated to the people in the refugee centres as well as food allowances if their food provisions have been damaged.

Moreover, Pravind Juganuth announced that a Council of Ministers meeting will be held on Monday afternoon where several decisions will be taken at various levels. He appealed to the Private Sector to give a helping hand.

“They can help us by contributing in the Prime Minister Cyclone Relief Fund so that we may continue to provide some services. He also announced that a National Cleaning Campaign will take place on Friday in the different regions and that all pre-primary, primary and secondary schools as well as training centres of the MITD around the island will be closed. However, courses in the Universities will resume this Friday. Lastly the Prime Minister appealed to the general public to continue to be vigilant due to rainfall forecast for the coming days.