Ecologist’s Perspective: Alleged Criminal Management Surrounding Mare-Chicose Fire

In a recent episode of the program “Au Cœur de l’Info,” ecologist Adi Teelock described the fire at the Mare-Chicose waste treatment center as the result of “criminal management” of the facility. The discussion took place on November 20, 2024, during a broadcast on Radio Plus and TéléPlus, featuring prominent guests, including Anishta Babooram, Member of Parliament for Vieux Grand-Port/Rose-Belle, and environmental engineer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, along with Dr. Khalil Elahee, an energy expert from the University of Mauritius.

Teelock voiced her concerns regarding the Mare-Chicose site, which she deems already saturated.

She stressed that alternatives to the current waste management practices should have been identified long ago.

Reflecting on the initiative launched in 2010, called Mauritius Ile Durable (MID), Teelock noted that despite comprehensive consultations aimed at reducing, sorting, and recycling waste, the change in government in 2014 put these plans on hold, leading to a 12-year delay in effective action.

She asserted that the increase in waste at Mare-Chicose continues to soar exponentially, and the site has become notorious for frequent fires.

“The management of Mare-Chicose is catastrophic,” Teelock emphasized, stating that the company overseeing the site must be held accountable for its operations, which are funded by taxpayer money.

She also pointed out the health risks posed to local residents due to smoke emanating from the ongoing fires.

She placed substantial blame on the Ministry of the Environment, the contractors, and the consultants for their roles in this mismanagement, declaring, “There has been criminal management. Today, the health of the community is at risk.”

Anishta Babooram expressed her disappointment that the Mare-Chicose fire was not a topic of discussion during the previous electoral campaign, despite it already being a pressing issue.

She revealed that elected officials had met with representatives from the managing company, environmental officers, and firefighters to address the situation.

“During the meeting, tensions rose as we lamented how this situation has been handled. It is unacceptable that since November 6, not much has changed.

We were informed it would take eight weeks to extinguish the fire—this is not feasible. More resources need to be allocated to this crisis,” she reported.

Babooram also highlighted that the company in charge of Mare-Chicose had been awarded a 10-year management contract by the former government.

In response to the lack of action, she stated, “We have issued a 15-day ultimatum for improvements to be made.”

As both Teelock and Babooram navigate these environmental challenges, they remained committed to holding those in charge accountable, advocating for immediate action to protect the health and well-being of local communities.

Source: Defi Media