In view of the forthcoming Maha Shivaratree festival which will be celebrated on 08 March 2024, a Ministerial Meeting of the Task Force was chaired, yesterday, by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, at the Bhageerutty Hall in Grand Bassin. The aim was to take note of the proposals raised by various institutions and socio-cultural representatives so that the pilgrimage be held in best possible conditions.
Prior to the Meeting, the Prime Minister effected site visits at La Marie near Beard Reservoir and Jet Ranch to take stock of progress made as regards construction and repair works.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy; the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano; the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin; the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck; several Members of the Parliament; as well as representatives from Governmental institutions and socio-cultural associations, were also present.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that the meeting aimed at reviewing the different arrangements being undertaken by various Ministries and institutions to ensure that the Maha Shivaratree festival is held smoothly. The Task Force, he stated, took cognizance of the difficulties being encountered while emphasising that Government will try its level best to find prompt solutions and take on board suggestions made by various representatives.
He underlined that the new link road from La Vigie to La Brasserie will help to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate movement of vehicles while enhancing the safety of pilgrims. An additional lane, he pointed out, is being constructed along La Marie-Petrin-Chamouny to ease access and traffic flow. Constructions works are ongoing and are expected to be completed before Maha Shivaratree festival, he stated.
Moreover, the Prime Minister informed that a set of new guidelines and measures is being proposed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by Minister Teeluck and with the collaboration of socio-cultural associations as regards the dimensions of kanwar. He appealed to the public to respect the guidelines, take necessary precautions and maintain discipline so that the festival takes places in a smooth manner.
The concerned authorities present provided updates regarding the numerous arrangements which will be made for, namely: cleaning and lighting works; embellishment works; provision of transport facilities; supply of water and electricity and provision of water tanker service; distribution of recycling bins; installation of medical posts; timely provision of tents and mobile toilets, amongst others.
In view of heavy rainfall, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) will flush out excess water in regions around Grand Bassin. The MFRS will also be on stand-by to arrange for pumping of water in case of water accumulation.
