Questions Raised Over National Development Unit’s Inaction

A devastating landslide and the collapse of three homes in Tranquebar on April 21st has raised questions about the National Development Unit’s (NDU) failure to take action in the face of warnings about the risk of landslides.

A letter from the contractor, EDCC Co Ltd, emerged after the incident, warning the NDU about the risks of landslides due to the demolition of existing walls.

However, it has been revealed that a consultant, GIBB (Mauritius) Ltd, had also warned the NDU several times between October 2022 and March 2023 about the dangers of elevating walls along Ruisseau du Pouce before constructing a cut-off drain at Monneron and downstream works.

The consultant’s letters, obtained by this newspaper, highlight the risks of flooding and “negative effects downstream” if the project was executed only in part.

In a letter dated September 5, 2022, GIBB (Mauritius) Ltd recommended that “appropriate geotechnical investigations be carried out along the banks of the channel so that the structural integrity of the channel can be assessed and the most optimum solution be identified”.

Furthermore, in a letter dated October 12, 2022, the consultant stated that “since some proposed measures have been omitted, the raising of walls should not be implemented as a stand-alone measure”.

This has raised questions about why GIBB (Mauritius) Ltd was replaced as a consultant on the project.

The opposition MP Osman Mahomed has accused the NDU of ignoring these warnings and not taking necessary action to mitigate the risks.

“Why did NDU ignore these warnings? Is it because their priority is to award contracts left and right without considering the impacts? This has resulted in three houses being destroyed.”

Mahomed has also pointed out that an investigation into the incident is being conducted by a high-ranking official from the Road Development Authority.

“I demand that attention be paid and that we do not try to protect anyone’s head in this matter.

If there is a change in power, these files will be re-examined and those responsible will be held accountable.”

The consultant GIBB (Mauritius) Ltd was paid Rs 2.9 million for its services, according to information revealed by Bobby Hurreeram during a parliamentary session.

However, when Osman Mahomed asked if the minister was aware of GIBB’s warnings about the project, Hurreeram responded that it was not relevant to the main question.

Mahomed has also questioned why GIBB (Mauritius) Ltd was replaced as a consultant on the project.

The speaker of the House intervened, asking Mahomed to apologize for his question and later ordering him to apologize to Bobby Hurreeram.

The incident has raised questions about accountability and transparency in government projects.

The opposition MP has demanded that attention be paid to the warnings and that those responsible for ignoring them be held accountable.

Source: l’Express