Opposition Accuses Government of Endangering CEB’s Stability

In a recent press conference held in Port-Louis, Patrick Assirvaden, a Member of Parliament affiliated with the Labour Party and the opposition’s energy spokesperson, leveled serious accusations against the government, particularly targeting Energy Minister Joe Lesjongard. He asserted that the current administration led by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has brought the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to the brink of bankruptcy.

Assirvaden highlighted that the CEB, a critical entity in Mauritius’ energy sector, has amassed a staggering deficit of over Rs 4.9 billion.

He warned that without immediate intervention, this financial turmoil could result in widespread chaos across the nation in the future.

Emphasizing the board’s pivotal role in supporting economic activities, he stated, “There would be no economic progress without the backing of CEB.”

Detailing the financial challenges faced by the CEB, Assirvaden explained that the organization incurs annual expenses of Rs 8.1 billion for essential resources such as heavy fuel oil, lubricating oil, and spare parts for machinery, in addition to Rs 8.2 billion spent on coal, bagasse, or wind energy.

Furthermore, he mentioned costs of around Rs 3.2 billion allocated for employee salaries and pensions.

However, given its current financial crisis, he lamented that the CEB has no funds available and is forced to take loans to meet these expenses.

The opposition deputy accused Joe Lesjongard of being the worst energy minister in the past five years, dubbing him “minis zero mega watt” due to his apparent lack of effectiveness.

Assirvaden also referred to the dismantling of three CEB subsidiaries—CEB Green, CEB Fibernet, and CEB Facilities—which he said cost the organization Rs 1.2 billion.

Moreover, he raised concerns about a fraudulent incident involving Rs 12 million, which the CEB improperly paid to a company impersonating Hyundai Global Service Europe.

Assirvaden previously addressed this issue in Parliament a few months ago.

The situation surrounding Corexsolar was another significant topic during his address.

He promised transparency and accountability once the opposition, branded as the Alliance du changement, comes to power.

Assirvaden did not shy from scrutinizing Rajden Chowdharry, the CEB’s Director General, regarding his lavish privileges, including a tax-free Porsche Cayenne.

In his closing remarks, Assirvaden criticized the Central Water Authority as well, denouncing the government’s electoral promise of providing round-the-clock water supply as one of its “greatest scams.”

He pointed out the involvement of Geanchand Dewdanee, responsible for laying pipes, and mentioned that an additional budget of Rs 438 million would be required for the project.

Through these denunciations, Assirvaden painted a grim picture of the current administration’s handling of essential services, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of the country’s energy and water supply sectors.

Source: l”Express