Ensuring the best interest of the population, especially by caring for, and by promoting the wellbeing and security of the older persons is a top priority for Government.
This was the gist of the message of the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, yesterday, in Terre Rouge, at the laying of foundation stone ceremony of Le Hochet Multipurpose Hall and the annual senior citizen lunch.
Both events were organised by the District Council of Pamplemousses in collaboration with the Village Council of Le Hochet. The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; Parliamentary Private Secretaries; Members of Parliament; Chairpersons of Village and District Councils; Village Councillors; and other personalities, were present at the ceremony.
In his address, the Prime Minister hailed the contribution and hard work of the elderly for the progress and economic development of the country and in building a nation where citizens live in peace and harmony. He underlined Government’s dedication to implement its elderly policy to provide senior citizens with the best quality of life.
The Prime Minister thus recalled the numerous activities and initiatives implemented for the welfare of the elderly including their recreational needs, namely the setting up of 21 elderly care centres across the Republic; increase in basic retirement pension; provision of assistive materials such as wheel chairs and hearing aids; free medical visits; launch of a security app for senior citizens; and stays in the three recreation centres for the elderly.
Mr Jugnauth indicated that a fourth recreation centre for the elderly will be constructed at Riambel. He also spoke of Government’s focus on the protection of the health of the older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Prime Minister, the construction of the Multipurpose Hall in Le Hochet would not only encourage people to take up sports activities but would also strengthen fraternal and friendship bonds among villagers. He pointed out that despite international challenges that were impacting the price of commodities and several countries’ economy, Government in Mauritius would pursue infrastructure projects such as the Metro Express so that the population would benefit from appropriate facilities and amenities. On that score, he listed out completed infrastructure endeavours in the northern region of the country such as children’s playgrounds, futsal courts, gyms, drains, bridges, as well as road construction and surfacing.
Moreover, Mr Jugnauth spoke of the Village Council of Le Hochet celebrating its 30 years. He noted that the Chairperson of the Village Council is, currently, Mrs Kamini Arnachellum, and consequently, called on other women to follow her example by becoming more active in the community and in politics.
While reiterating Government’s commitment to protect the population and enhance their quality of life, the Prime Minister expressed his determination to continue the fight against drugs.
