Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-02-24 08:00:20
Agalega: Thursday, the 29th date maintained for the double inauguration of the airstrip and the jetty
The launch of MNIC 3.0 (New Mauritius National Identity Card) Monday morning
The Chebel/Sorèze suspension bridge (SAJ Bridge) postponed to Tuesday afternoon with the ceremony reduced to its simplest form
With the confirmation of the Prime Minister’s visit to Agalega for the ceremony on the 29th, just five days away, both the island’s administration and Afcons Infrastructure headquarters have reviewed all aspects of this project to ensure that the event goes smoothly. He is expected in the archipelago to proceed with the inauguration on the same day of the new airstrip and the new jetty, with a video conference component with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. He will be accompanied by a large delegation including ministers, deputies, senior officials, representatives from the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, and some executives from private organizations. It is also possible that the CEO of Afcons Infrastructure will also make the trip.
Information indicates that the names of the five deputies from the constituency of Port Louis Maritime/Port Louis East, who represent the residents of Agalega in the National Assembly, will be on the PMO’s guest list. An invitation may have also been sent to Xavier-Luc Duval, the leader of the opposition.
Recently, Agalega has experienced heavy rainfall and the persisting gloomy weather has not affected, according to some residents, the ongoing preparations. “Everything is on track and we are calm. The Agalega population is known for its hospitality and we have taken all necessary measures to offer a warm welcome to the Prime Minister and all the guests,” said an employee of the Outer Islands Development Corporation (OIDC).
Will the population attend the event on Thursday? “Everyone has their opinion on these constructions but I think some people will go because we have nothing to do with politics… When someone comes to your place, you must welcome them well… As long as we continue to live peacefully in our island,” responded a mother interviewed by Le-Mauricien. This is the main concern of the archipelago residents: their future…
The inauguration of the airstrip will take place in the aerodrome hangar. As part of the February 29 event, the MV Trochetia, chartered by the PMO, will embark on a journey today to the archipelago for the transportation of necessary equipment and materials as well as a stock of food. The ship was supposed to depart from Port Louis since Wednesday, but the passage of Tropical Storm Eleanor disrupted the preparations. The ship will also carry around a hundred passengers involved in the preparation of this inauguration ceremony at various levels, including OIDC officers.
In addition to the inauguration ceremony, the three-day visit of the Prime Minister to the archipelago is another “big task” for the PMO executives and the island administrators. Indeed, he plans to stay in the archipelago until Saturday, March 2, unless a major unforeseen event forces him to shorten his visit.
During his stay, the Prime Minister will be accommodated in a Guest House, part of several buildings constructed by Afcons Infrastructure in the last five years.
On the other hand, the beginning of the week will allow the Prime Minister to catch up on two functions that had to be postponed due to the passage of Eleanor in the vicinity. On Monday, the New Mauritius National Identity Card will be launched with the first Mauritians receiving the MNIC 3.0 from midday according to the established schedule. In principle, this step should have been completed since yesterday afternoon.
Furthermore, the inauguration and commissioning of the SAJ Bridge, connecting Chebel to Sorèze, are announced for Tuesday afternoon. However, the organizers, in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office, have decided to eliminate the entire entertainment part for safety reasons due to the weather conditions that are forecasted.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
