The Metro Express will soon be extended to Côte d'Or, delays in the delivery and loading of containers in the port and more than 10,000 cases of acute respiratory infections since the beginning of the month... A summary of this week's news.
Metro Express: USD 300 million loan from India for the extension to Côte D'Or
India has offered a new line of credit of 300 million US dollars, including a grant of 25 million dollars for the extension of the Metro Express project to Réduit, St-Pierre and Côte-d'Or. This was announced by the Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius Nandini Singla, during the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the independence of India.
The feasibility study for the Réduit/Saint-Pierre/Côte-d'Or route has already been carried out and has proved conclusive. The metro will connect Réduit to Côte-d'Or, through Moka, Gentilly, St-Pierre near the Kendra supermarket, Côte-d'Or and ending at Hermitage, a 10.5 km long route.
Currently, work is underway to connect Rose-Hill, Ebène and Réduit. It is 65% complete. This route should be operational by December. Also, testing is already underway between Phoenix and Curepipe. This route should be completed next month.
India has been a stakeholder since the very beginning of this huge project. Indeed, since 2016, Narendra Modi's country has injected some $952 million, or Rs 43.2 billion. This, in the form of a line of credit and grants.
Port-Louis: Port activities slowed down
Customs operations have been slowed at the port as the union asks for better working conditions for employees. Discussions have been initiated between the management of the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) and union representatives. The "go slow" announced at the beginning of the week has been ruled out for the time being, the management of CHCL has agreed to abandon the reform project and to take into consideration the Collective Agreement of 2016.
Since the beginning of the month, there have been delays in the delivery of containers. Several ships have not docked at the port, preferring to head for Reunion Island or South Africa. Others already on site have been unable to load containers. A situation that could cost the country's foreign trade.
Acute respiratory infections: more than 12,000 cases since the beginning of the month
Winter is a good time for viral infections. The Ministry has counted more than 12,000 cases of acute respiratory infections since the beginning of the month. Indeed, from August 1st to 7th, 6,734 people went to regional hospitals and health centers for treatment, while from August 8th to 14th, 5,709 cases were recorded. This situation is caused by the persistent cold since the beginning of winter. One way to protect yourself is to get a flu shot. Be careful.
