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Authorities Instruct EIA for 50-Unit Naïa Villas Project

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Authorities Instruct EIA for 50-Unit Naïa Villas Project
Image source: Le Mauricien

In a significant development for the conservation of Mauritius’ coastal region, the Ministry of the Environment has mandated the developer of the Naïa Villas Project at Bel-Air Pomponette to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This announcement was made public by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Mru2025 on their Facebook page, declaring, “We’ve been heard!” Additionally, Junior Minister of the Environment Joanna Bérenger shared the news via a video on her official Facebook page.

Despite the extensive nature of the Naïa Villas Project, which comprises 50 units, it had previously been exempt from undergoing an EIA.

This exemption had long been criticized by environmental activists, who argue that such large-scale developments invariably affect the surrounding area and warrant scrutiny from authorities.

In conjunction with the mandated EIA, Mru2025 reported that the Ministry is also considering a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the region.

This assessment aims to explore the cumulative effects of such projects, provide a comprehensive overview, and ensure long-term sustainability for the coastal area.

This announcement is in response to a request made by the NGO earlier in the week.

Previously, Mru2025 had raised concerns about the development located on the Pas géométriques in Riambel-Pomponette.

On December 26, 2024, the Ministry of the Environment conducted a site visit, which included discussions with the District Council of Savanne regarding the Naïa Villas Project, planning to build 21 villas on four acres of land next to a public beach.

The NGO noted, “During the site visit, we were joined by Eco-Sud, representing civil society partners who, like us, are closely monitoring this development.

Unfortunately, the Ministry of Housing and Lands was unable to attend.”

During their assessment, Mru2025 identified several issues, including coastal erosion, with rocks from broken gabions scattered along the shoreline and a beach escarpment ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters.

They stated, “These conditions result from wave impact, sea-level rise, and historical sand mining, making this area very vulnerable.”

Additionally, the NGO pointed out the lack of Public Notification, despite the Building and Land Use Permit (BLUP) submitted to the developer on December 12, 2024.

They lamented the absence of an EIA or Project Environmental Report (PER), given the site’s vulnerability.

Moreover, the NGO expressed concerns regarding the developer’s plan to discharge treated effluents for irrigation, highlighting potential risks to the ecological sensitivity of the lagoon.

They noted that reliance on irrigation water quality guidelines instead of coastal water quality standards underscored the project’s potential hazards.

Prior to the announcement from Minister Joanna Bérenger regarding the EIA requirement, another letter co-signed by Mru2025, AKNL, Eco-Sud, and the Sea Users Association had been sent to authorities.

The letter emphasized the necessity for a strategic environmental assessment, reminding officials of the cumulative impact such projects would have on Mauritius’ coastline, especially in conjunction with other similar developments.

The letter stated, “Coastal developments like Naïa Villas are not isolated; they are part of a growing trend of privatization and exploitation of the Mauritian coastline, which is causing further damage to our coastal zone.”

Source: Le Mauricien

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