Traders operating at Ruisseau-du-Pouce in Port Louis do not rule out the possibility of organizing a demonstration if the Municipal Council goes ahead with the demolition of their structures. The Lord Mayor, Isoop Nujuraully, has indeed confirmed that the affected traders will have to vacate the premises by the end of the week.
He has proposed relocating them to the Victoria Urban Terminal (VUT). This option is being contested on the grounds that a case lodged in the Supreme Court will be heard in June.
“We have an injunction against the municipality, prohibiting the demolition of our stalls until the case is heard. But the Lord Mayor claims he is unaware of a Stay of Execution dated 18 July 2023. How can it be that the municipality is unaware of a case against it in court? This is very serious!” explain the plaintiffs. Some of them went to the municipal office yesterday morning to discuss the dispute with Isoop Nujuraully, who was unable to meet them due to a prior commitment.
The traders have discussed the Friday ultimatum. They already state that they have no intention of moving from Ruisseau-du-Pouce and will conduct a sit-in in front of their stalls. “We will not resort to violence, as the police may arrest us.”
“We are here to assert our rights. We want the public to see what kind of hardship is being exercised over the poor in this country. We, as ordinary citizens, must respect the rule of law, but those in power can bend the law in their favour!” they denounce.
The traders have also consulted their legal advisors to explore possible legal avenues to block the proposed demolition. The dismantling operation could take place within a few days.
In April 2022, 21 traders operating at Ruisseau-du-Pouce had contested their relocation to the Victoria Urban Terminal. After a legal battle, the municipality had prevailed. However, the dissenters had subsequently appealed the ruling and the case will be heard in June.
The contract between the affected traders and the municipality for the occupation of spaces at Ruisseau-du-Pouce expired last year. This prompted the municipality to refuse to collect rent, despite the traders insisting on paying to remain on site.
This has led to a legal difference of opinion between the two parties. The traders believe that their appeal must be heard in the Supreme Court first, while the municipality, on the other hand, believes that in the absence of a new contract with the traders, it has the right to reclaim possession of the premises.
Source: Le Mauricien
