Ébène Car Park Achieves 100% Occupancy After Rocky Start

Four years after its opening, the Ébène Car Park, located at the southern entrance of the Cybercity, is celebrating a significant milestone: full occupancy of its parking spaces. Developed by Laxmanbhai & Co. (Mauritius) Ltd, this state-of-the-art facility spans 6,000 square meters and consists of eight levels, accommodating up to 934 vehicles, including 73 outdoor spaces.

The journey to this achievement has not been without its challenges.

When Ébène Car Park Ltd first launched its operations in August 2020, the response was lukewarm, hindered by two COVID-19 lockdowns and a widespread shift to remote work.

In the early days, while all 73 outdoor parking spots were leased for a monthly rate of MUR 2,700, only about 400 of the 861 indoor spaces were occupied at the MUR 4,000 monthly rate.

However, the landscape has dramatically changed since then.

Recent reports indicated that all 934 parking spots are now fully leased, thanks largely to the increasing demand from businesses and individuals drawn to the facility’s prime location and advanced security features, including CCTV surveillance, remote identification systems, and seamless access control through stickers.

The increased occupancy is a welcome development, particularly in light of the growing traffic problems and illegal parking that have plagued the Cybercity since the late 2000s.

The local authorities have been battling rampant illegal parking practices, particularly along sidewalks and roads where vehicles were often parked every ten meters.

The police adjusted their approach in 2019 to combat these issues, leading to a significant reduction in chaos on the streets, although reports suggest that some of these problems are re-emerging.

The establishment of the Ébène Car Park, coupled with other parking facilities aimed at being accessible to all budgets, has played a role in alleviating parking challenges, particularly amid increasing road traffic.

The success of the facility has not only stemmed from its convenient location but also from the amenities it offers, such as energy-efficient LED lighting and affordable transport services provided by Rose-Hill Transport Ltd, available at a rate of MUR 15 per trip or MUR 500 for a monthly subscription.

In addition to parking, revenue from advertising on large billboards surrounding the building has proven lucrative for Ébène Car Park Ltd, generating between MUR 300,000 and MUR 400,000 each quarter.

However, plans to turn the car park’s rooftop into an event space were thwarted when local authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Quatre-Bornes municipality, denied the necessary operating permits, citing concerns over nearby residential developments.

Looking ahead, Ébène Car Park Ltd is exploring additional services, including automotive concierge, a cafeteria, a car wash station, and rental spaces.

Furthermore, the facility is distinguished as Mauritius’s first parking complex to integrate modern technology with eco-friendly practices, with electric vehicle charging stations soon to be installed.

Ébène Fly-Over Inauguration: A Traffic Improvement Step

In another significant development for the region, the Ébène fly-over was inaugurated by the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Bobby Hurreeram, on Monday and opened to traffic on Wednesday.

This infrastructure aiming to enhance traffic flow along the M1 and M3 highways and at the Cybercity roundabout.

Early feedback from motorists using the fly-over during peak hours indicated improved traffic flow toward Rose-Hill and Beau-Bassin, although congestion persists for drivers going to Belle-Rose.

Notably, the fly-over facilitated direct access from Rose-Hill to the highway without passing through the center of Ébène, marking a considerable advancement in traffic management.

Traffic pressures from the M1 highway towards the M3 at St Jean also appeared to have eased with the new project.

Given these positive developments, local residents and commuters are hopeful for continued improvements in traffic conditions over the coming weeks.

Source: Le Mauricien