Local Authorities: 5 Villages on the Path to Municipal Status

The village of Mahébourg may soon achieve the status of a town, joining the ranks of Triolet, Goodlands, Bambous, and Flacq in a significant shift toward urban recognition. This anticipated transformation is at the heart of a rapidly evolving discussion within the government about updating the Local Government Act ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

According to information gathered by Le Dimanche/L’Hebdo, the ministers of Local Authorities and Foreign Affairs, Ranjiv Woochit and Ritesh Ramful, along with Attorney General Gavin Glover, are holding a series of meetings to finalize comprehensive reforms.

The key objective of these discussions is to adapt the legislative framework to contemporary realities while implementing substantial structural changes.

Among the notable measures being considered is the conversion of certain villages into municipalities.

The municipalities being discussed for potential status changes include Triolet, Goodlands, Bambous, Flacq, and Mahébourg.

The ministry of Local Authorities has clarified that this decision will be based on clearly defined criteria, such as the availability of modern amenities and administrative offices.

This move towards municipalization, which has been in the pipeline for several months, is part of a broader government strategy aimed at modernizing territorial governance and bridging the administrative gap between authorities and citizens.

The newly established cities are expected to receive enhanced resources, allowing for ambitious urban development projects and improved coordination of public services.

In an interview with Le Dimanche/L’Hebdo, Minister Ranjiv Woochit indicated that consultations among ministers will intensify in the coming weeks.

Defi Media sources suggested that the government is planning to dissolve current municipal councils by mid-March, with municipal elections potentially scheduled for April.

Minister Woochit emphasized that the proposed changes will impact fundamental aspects of local governance.

He noted the importance of collaboration with the Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC), as electoral delimitation will also be a crucial part of the reform process.

In May 2023, former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth explained the postponement of municipal elections by citing the need for reform within regional administrations.

Six months later, both a technical committee and a ministerial committee, which have each convened three times, are focusing on the establishment of new municipal councils.

Proposed initiatives included elevating strategic villages like Flacq and Mahébourg to town status, redefining urban boundaries, and potentially conducting municipal and legislative elections simultaneously for pragmatic reasons.

A bill concerning local authorities, which may be accompanied by constitutional revisions, is expected to be introduced in 2024.

During parliamentary discussions about the Local Government (Amendment) Bill on May 23, 2023, former Minister of Public Services Joe Lesjongard highlighted the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the laws governing regional administration in the country.

He noted that both the MSM/MMM government from 2000 to 2005 and the Labour Party and PMSD government in 2011 supported a thorough reform of local governance.

Lesjongard recounted his own experience presenting the Local Government Bill in 2003, recalling the necessity of delaying elections as part of that reform effort.

Source: Defi Media