Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-03-01 03:00:58
Merchants operating at Ruisseau du Pouce do not rule out the possibility of organizing a demonstration if the municipality goes ahead with the demolition of their structures. The Lord Mayor, Isoop Nujuraully, has indeed confirmed that the concerned merchants will have to vacate the premises by the end of the week. He proposes to relocate them to the Victoria Urban Terminal (VUT). This option is contested as it is argued that a case currently lodged in the Supreme Court will be called in June.
“We have an injunction against the municipality, prohibiting the demolition of our stalls as long as the case is not heard. But the Lord Mayor claims he is not aware of a Stay of Execution dated July 18, 2023. How is it that the municipality is unaware that there is a case against it before the court? This is very serious!” explain the complainants. Some of them went to the municipality yesterday morning to discuss the dispute with Isoop Nujuraully, who could not meet them as he was tied up with a professional commitment.
The merchants have discussed the Friday ultimatum. They already declare that they do not intend to move from Ruisseau-du-Pouce and that they will stage a Sit-In in front of their stalls. “We will not use violence, as the police could arrest us. We are here to claim our rights. We, the underprivileged, must respect the rule of law, but those in power can set their own rule in our country!” they denounce.
The merchants have also consulted their legal advisors to examine the possible legal remedies to block the planned demolition. The dismantling operation could take place in a few days. In April 2022, 21 merchants operating at Ruisseau-du-Pouce had contested their relocation to the Victoria Urban Terminal. After a legal battle, the municipality had won. However, the protesters had then appealed the judgment and the case will be heard in June.
The contract between the merchants concerned and the municipality for the occupation of spaces at Ruisseau-du-Pouce expired last year. This prompted the municipality to refuse to collect rent, even though the merchants insist on paying their rent and staying in place. This has led to a legal disagreement between the two parties. The merchants believe that their appeal must first be heard in Supreme Court, while the municipality, on the other hand, believes that in the absence of a new contract with the merchants, it has the right to reclaim the premises.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
