Trou-aux-Biches: Casuarina Hotel’s Beach Grab Infuriates Public

The public beaches of Trou aux Biches are facing an insidious form of privatisation. Eyewitnesses have reported that the Casuarina Hotel, in just three days, has monopolised a significant stretch of coastline with private facilities, without any repercussions. This encroachment has sparked outrage among frequent beachgoers, who are left questioning the apparent inaction from the authorities — who seem much quicker to act against other gross violations.

Public Beach Becomes a Private Playground

Recent photographs revealed a row of parasols and sun loungers stretching across the beachfront in front of the now South African-owned Hotel Le Cardinal.

Local sources indicated that the Casuarina Hotel hurriedly set up these installations just before the holiday season, taking over an area which was meant to remain accessible to the public.

“The entire beach, every inch of it, has been invaded by Casuarina,” a witness exclaimed, expressing his fury at the constant presence of hotel staff serving only their guests in this area.

One beach umbrella even prominently displays the hotel’s logo.

Quick Construction and a Delayed Stop Order

In addition to the beach furniture, the hotel allegedly began earthworks using JCB machines — a project nearly complete when the relevant ministry finally issued a stop order in late December or early January.

However, the damage had already been done.

“They just placed a few big rocks, and that’s it: they have completed the works!” scoffed another enraged local, who vowed to take action if authorities continue to turn a blind eye.

In January, residents alerted the authorities to this scandalous situation, hoping for swift intervention.

Yet, more than a month later, little has changed, and the frustration among the locals continued to grow.

A new letter, accompanied by photos, has been sent by residents.

This correspondence is not only showing that the beach umbrellas and loungers were still there but the illegal exploitation of the beach has increased.

Desperate for action, residents are calling out the total inaction from authorities, despite repeated reports.

A local NGO, Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz (AKNL), was informed but has so far failed to respond, leaving locals bewildered and anxious.

This is not the first instance of Casuarina being accused of encroaching on public land.

Its boat house, clearly visible in coastal images, has occupied part of the beach for several years.

Alarmingly, other hotels in the area appear to be replicating similar patterns, erecting their own beach furniture and slowly claiming spaces that once welcomed all locals.

Residents’ Resentment: “Everything is Changing, but Nothing Changes”

As this latest attempt at land grab unfolds, anger is rising among regular visitors to the beach.

Authorities are now facing pressing questions from the public:

Why do private enterprises get away with such blatant appropriation of public space?

Is there an unofficial approval process taking place?

The Casuarina affair is reigniting the debate about safeguarding Mauritius’ public beaches and the proper enforcement of existing regulations.

Beach residents and users are hoping for swift intervention before these practices become an irreversible norm.

The big question remains: will action be taken, or will, as some lament, “everything is changing, but nothing changes”?

Source: Le Mauricien