Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-04-08 12:00:27
There isn’t a week that goes by in the twin cities without counselors speaking out against the actions of Mayor Rajeenee Mootoo-Caroopen, who is said to be overstepping her boundaries in making certain decisions. After the incident where she gifted a batch of medals to a secondary school, using city funds without the Council’s approval, it has come to light that she may have repeated the same mistake by assuring the family of a future centenarian, upon their request, that they can celebrate her birthday on May 1st at the Plaza’s banquet hall, free of charge, from 2pm to 10pm. An official letter was even sent to the family on February 20 as confirmation.
However, it turns out that not only did the Council never give its consent for this celebration to take place, but it is common knowledge that no event booked at the banquet hall, whether political, religious, or cultural, can be organized without the organizer paying a fee of Rs 35,000, unless it is organized by the city or in collaboration with it. The truth came to light on March 20 during a meeting of the Welfare committee, where the elected officials rejected the mayor’s proposal. The family of the future centenarian, upon learning of this backtrack, reportedly protested vehemently to the mayor, putting her in a difficult position.
“There are no exceptions to the rule, whether you are a resident, politician, or VIP. Let’s be serious. The city took out a loan of Rs 100 million to rebuild the Plaza. With the pandemic crisis, we found ourselves in the red. Rajeenee Mootoo-Caroopen is a kind and caring person, but she has a position to uphold,” a counselor disclosed to us.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
