Constituency No. 11 Faces Growing Concerns as Elections Approach

As the general elections scheduled for November 10 draw near, political activity is intensifying in Constituency No. 11 (Vieux-Grand-Port–Rose-Belle). Residents are voicing their urgent concerns regarding rising living costs, inadequate infrastructure, and increasing flood risks attributed to climate change.

Located over an area of 173.07 square kilometers, the constituency encompassing 13 villages:

Quatre-Sœurs, Grand-Sable, Bambous-Virieux, Bois-des-Amourettes, Vieux-Grand-Port, Rivière-des-Créoles, St-Hubert, Cluny, Bananes, Rose-Belle, Union-Park, Nouvelle-France, and New-Grove.

With 46,167 registered voters, Rose-Belle stands out as the most developed area, bolstered by new developments like the Plaisance Shopping Village and the Vieux Moulin shopping center.

Recent infrastructure improvements included the launch of a new water reservoir and the inauguration of the CWA sub-office in Nouvelle-France on September 17, as well as a mini-football field funded by an Indian grant on September 25.

Additionally, a new health center opened in New Grove on October 3.

Arvin Boolell, son of the late Sir Satcam Boolell, has been a long-time candidate in this constituency since 1987, often topping the polls. However, in the 2000 elections, he finished second to Pravind Jugnauth and dropped to fourth place in 2014.

Currently, he is contesting in Constituency No. 18 (Belle-Rose–Quatre-Bornes).

Local residents are particularly vocal about their issues. Manti Seewoosurrun, a 51-year-old resident of Nouvelle-France, expressed her disappointment over the children in her area not being able to enjoy the local kindergarten, which remained locked most of the time.

“The garden is always closed. Children end up playing in the streets. It’s heartbreaking and dangerous. They climb over barriers to access the garden and risk getting hurt,” she lamented.

Vicky Reejhaw, a 43-year-old from Vieux-Grand-Port, hopes for the timely completion of the long-awaited asphalt paving of Magon Street.

“The street has been in disrepair for months, but I’ve noticed that work has finally started. I hope it will be completed soon,” she remarked.

Reshad Chadun, a retired resident of Vieux-Grand-Port, raised concerns about flooding during heavy rains.

“We need to build proper drainage. Water accumulates in people’s yards when it rains heavily,” he stated.

Jean-Noël Marie, a retired fisherman, also is worrying about rising water levels during heavy downpours and the increasing cost of living.

“Everything is getting more expensive. A piece of salted fish now costs Rs 90 in the store,” he exclaimed.

He emphasized the need for politicians to be more accessible to their constituents, saying,

“We don’t want people to only come to seek our votes. When we approach them with a problem, they themselves often do not respond. They need to stay connected with the community after being elected.”

Source: l’Express