Concrete Encroachment in Solférino Agricultural Land Troubling Farmers

In Solférino, located in Vacoas/Phœnix, many farmers, like Vinesh Seesurn, are giving up their agricultural pursuits. The removal of a significant stream that originated from the Takamaka River is posing a serious threat to the agricultural development of the area.

The landscape transformation is alarming to local vegetable farmers as rapid urbanization, land grabbing, and water shortages have intensified over the past five years, jeopardizing what was once a flourishing agricultural model reliant on water from the now-nonexistent stream.

Urban growth has drastically altered the environment. The stream, vital for irrigation and the lifeblood of many small farmers, has been paved over to make way for extensive concrete developments intended for new housing projects.

Vinesh Seesurn, who does not own the farmland he cultivated, is now finding himself spending tens of thousands of rupees monthly on water delivered by tankers.

Disillusioned, he has opted to abandon farming altogether. His experience is illustrating the broader decline of agriculture in the region and the hardships faced by farmers.

The fields appeared lush and green, with vegetables thriving under the bright sun after light rain.

However, a dark cloud looms over the rented farmlands Vinesh works, particularly since construction on a housing project commenced nearby a few years ago.

Dressed in a well-worn brown polo from his labor in the fields, Vinesh was seen weeding his rows of lettuce, brinjals, and other spices.

A married father of three in his forties, he is managing a portion of the 30 hectares of farmland leading to a dead end owned by private individuals, situated near a temple on Solférino Road No. 1.

In a recent conversation, Vinesh revealed it might be one of the last times he would walk the land he has cultivated and nurtured.

Sadly, agriculture is losing ground in Solférino. Over the past decade, agricultural zones have shrunk, overtaken by rapid urban development that favors high-end residences and complexes.

Many farms have been pushed to the outskirts, resulting in reduced land availability.

The pressing issue of land loss is compounded by increased population growth and the lack of proper infrastructure in these areas.

New developments are often initiated without proper planning, leading to strained essential services that struggle to meet rising demands.

Vinesh was taken aback a few weeks ago when he discovered that the stream he relied on for irrigation had been replaced by concrete walls and drainage systems.

“This is a real blow for my colleagues and me. The closure of the stream, which draws from the Takamaka River, is particularly problematic since the water that was once used for irrigation is now redirected to supply the new upscale housing developments,” he lamented.

He noted that only two homes have been built in the new housing project, raising questions about the urgency of constructing long stretches of walls when such little progress had been made on actual residences.

The rapid construction of houses in Solférino is attracting more families and couples with comfortable incomes.

Given the circumstances, implementing a comprehensive water supply infrastructure in the urban area is critical before introducing new housing projects.

Unfortunately, this has not happened. Consequently, as water shortages plague certain parts of Vacoas, Vinesh and his fellow farmers find themselves spending over 10,000 rupees per month on tanker services.

This escalating expense has become the final straw for many. “Where will I get all this money? It’s complicated, especially since I’m not the owner of this land.

I’d rather step back. It’s sad and infuriating,” Vinesh expressed, his frustration palpable as he faces an uncertain future in farming.

Source: Le Mauricien