The Sir Anerood Jugnauth (SAJ) bridge, a dual carriageway of 330m linking Chebel to Soreze via the Grand River Northwest valley was inaugurated, on Sunday, by the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. The bridge is operational this morning as from 06 00hrs.
The Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, several Ministers, members of the Parliament, Lady Sarojini Jugnauth and other dignitaries were present for the ceremony which was preceded by interfaith prayers.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Jugnauth stated that the bridge is yet another momentous landmark in the infrastructural development of the country. The architectural structure has necessitated the expertise of international countries, he remarked. He acknowledged the support and collaboration of various international countries including Korea, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Singapore, China, Turkey, and South Africa in realising the iconic project.
Mr Jugnauth categorised the bridge as a first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan region. The bridge forms part of Government’s strategy to ease and enhance the lives of the citizens, he underscored, adding that it will save time and fuel as well as alleviate traffic problems.
The Prime Minister expressed with pride that 80% of the workforce were the locals and opined that Mauritian engineers and other workers have had the opportunity to learn from international experts and will consequently be able to implement more complex projects in the country.
Speaking on enhancing road infrastructural development, he highlighted that Government has as objective to extend the Metro network across the island to further upgrade the lives of the citizens.
Mr Jugnauth recalled that in 1982 Mauritius was in recession while underlying the monumental reforms and measures brought by Sir Anerood Jugnauth leading to the Mauritian economic miracle. ’’Mauritius witnessed full employment, unprecedented growth and the setting up of new economic pillars, such as the offshore sector under his stewardship’’, he said. The Prime Minister lauded SAJ’s strong ideals, conviction, courage, determination and selfless service to the nation emphasising that the naming of the bridge after SAJ is the most appropriate means to pay him homage.
Prime Minister Jugnauth also deplored the carelessness of drivers and exhorted road commuters to respect speed limit, maintain strict vigilance on roads and drive responsibly for the safety of each and everyone.
Minister Hurreeram stated that the bridge has been named after SAJ to render him homage for his lifelong unwavering contribution to the Republic of Mauritius and most importantly as the father of the Mauritian economic miracle.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who have worked unremittingly for the successful completion of the bridge. He acknowledged the great work of the workforce and indicated that 80% were locals.
The bridge, he pointed out, will improve the distribution of traffic within the network of the A1 Road and M1 Motorway and will enhance connectivity as well as the lives of the inhabitants of the region and the citizens.
Minister Hurreeram also dwelt on major development strides undertaken by Government to ensure a better quality of life for the youth and generations to come.
The bridge of 330m long and overall height of 120m is made up of extradosed structure. Its salient feature comprises its height from the GRNW valley and the 7 cable stays per pylon supporting the deck. It is expected that the bridge will be ranked as the most aesthetic structure of Mauritius and play an important role as a national landmark in Mauritius.
