Shakeel Mohamed: “The Government Will Not Tolerate Lawbreakers”

In a steadfast declaration of intent, the government has underscored its commitment to upholding the law without reservation. This was made abundantly clear during a visit by the Minister of Lands and Housing, Shakeel Mohamed, along with officials from his department, to Île-aux-Bénitiers on Wednesday, 5th March.

This inspection follows the ministry’s directive for the dismantling of all illegal structures on the island.

A notice issued on 18th February, under the State Lands Act, demanded that boaters and traders in the area remove their illegal buildings—be they wooden or canvas-covered—as well as their personal belongings, within just seven days.

Shakeel Mohamed made it crystal clear that the government’s intention is not to hinder these workers from earning a living.

However, the message rang loud and clear: permanent structures will no longer be tolerated. Workers may set up their equipment each day, provided they remove it by nightfall, taking care to also clean up any waste generated.

This temporary arrangement will remain in place until a legal solution for their activities can be established.

Following this visit, officials from the Ministry of Lands and Housing are required to submit a detailed report, paving the way for future actions.

It is important to note that joint assessments from the Ministries of Lands and Environment have revealed alarming ecological damage on Île-aux-Bénitiers, attributed to illegal activities.

Minister Shakeel Mohamed has already suggested that a new regulatory framework is on the horizon to prevent any further environmental degradation in the future.

Source: Defi Media