A Sports Complex, to the tune of Rs 3,2 million, constructed with Indian grant assistance, was inaugurated, yesterday, at L’Esperance in Quartier Militaire, by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and the Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India, Shri V. Muraleedharan.
Personalities also present during the plaque unveiling ceremony of the Sports Complex included the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Vice–Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; Member of Parliament, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden; and, the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Mauritius, Mrs Nandini K. Singla.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that the Indian Government holds the Republic of Mauritius in very high esteem recalling that Mauritius has benefitted from a grant of Rs 400 million from India to carry out projects in the 20 constituencies under the Community Development Projects of India.
The Sports Complex, he said, is in line with Government’s vision of constructing sports facilities in different regions of the country so as to encourage the population, especially the youth, to practice regular physical activities.
Speaking about the special relations between Mauritius and India, the Head of Government underlined that, apart from several projects undertaken with Indian assistance which have not been completed yet, the jetty at Agalega is another such project which will facilitate the disembarkation of passengers and goods on that island. Furthermore, he stated that India is also assisting Mauritius in the combat of illegal fisheries and smuggling in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
For his part, Minister Muraleedharan said that India is engaged in partnership with Mauritius in the development of iconic projects such as the Metro Express. He added that both countries have entered into a new phase of partnership to directly benefit the community. Some 100 such projects are in the pipeline and one such project is the Sports Complex which has been inaugurated at L’Esperance, he indicated.
He lauded the project and rejoiced that the Sports Complex will help encourage physical activity among the youth and help them to stay away from drugs. Furthermore, sports helps one to develop good physique and positive thinking which will ultimately be good for the Mauritian community and the country at large, he observed.
He also spoke about the great relations between the two countries while adding that India is partnering with Mauritius to further its progress.
