The government is more than determined to bring the best modern road infrastructure with state-of-the-art technology to the citizens and consequently, help ease traffic congestion across the country. Improving road infrastructure is also a prerequisite to take the country to the next level of development.
The Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth made this statement, this morning, in Phoenix during the inauguration of the Pont Fer Flyover, which will be operational as from today.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo; 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; members of the National Assembly, and other personalities were also present on that occasion.
In a statement, the Prime Minister highlighted that this flyover, comprising of a 315 m long new viaduct constructed over the existing Motorway M1, will greatly contribute to improve the mobility and relieve the traffic congestion at the Pont Fer roundabout
He pointed out that with the coming into operation of the Metro Express in the vicinity as well as other major new road infrastructure, other road configurations will also be adopted.
This inauguration, he added, bears testimony of the ongoing infrastructural developmental projects that are being undertaken in view to providing better facilities and services to the citizens.
On this score, Mr Jugnauth underlined that his priority remains ensuring the wellbeing of the population and stressed that despite the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government will pave the way for the continued progress and development of the country. He added that the two other interchanges, notably at the Jumbo roundabout and at St Jean roundabout recently opened to the public are geared towards enhancing the quality of life of citizens.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister indicated that road safety audits are to be carried out regularly with regards to the new road infrastructure so as to ensure that drivers do not face any problems while using the flyover and to be able to do proper maintenance where necessary.
Speaking of COVID-19, Mr Jugnauth expressed satisfaction as regards to the progress being made in the ongoing National COVID-19 vaccination campaign and indicated that as far as adults are concerned, 81% of the Republic of Mauritius is fully vaccinated, with 88% having already received the first dose.
Dwelling on the reopening of borders, the Prime Minister underscored that the tourism sector, as well as many other sectors of the country, have faced difficult times since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, there is no choice but to reopen our borders in order to allow these sectors to resume their activities which, in turn, will help to boost the economy.
As far as Rodrigues is concerned, Mr Jugnauth underlined that the minimum of 60% of vaccinated population has not yet been reached. As such, relevant authorities have decided that the reopening of borders for Rodrigues will take place as from 1st November 2021.
Moreover, the Prime Minister recalled that recently the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) had decided that Mauritius warrants an onsite visit further to the fact that necessary measures have been taken to address all the components of its Action Plan, which was completed well ahead of its due date. In this context, a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Africa/Middle East Joint Group (AME JG) delegation was in Mauritius from 13 to 15 September 2021 to conduct an on-site visit in the context of the delisting process of Mauritius from the FATF grey list.
