Île-aux-Bénitiers: A Herculean Effort to Clear 138.28 Tonnes of Debris

The ongoing clean-up operation at Île-aux-Bénitiers has made significant strides in the removal of waste and debris. This ambitious initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Lands, commenced on 17 April and is being executed by the dedicated team at Atics Ltd. To date, an impressive 61 refuse bins and one compactor have been filled, amounting to a staggering 138.28 tonnes of refuse.

Much of the refuse, a by-product of illegal constructions on the island, has already been successfully extracted.

However, as the project manager from Atics Ltd has noted, new heaps of debris continue to emerge as the teams venture further inland.

On the ground, the operation faces numerous challenges that hinder progress. Among these are the thorny wild plum trees that have taken root amidst the refuse, including an abundance of coconuts. These trees obstruct access to the buried waste, which is predominantly plastic. In some instances, these trees have had to be pruned or even felled to facilitate the effective removal of debris.

The clean-up has also been hampered by unfavourable weather and maritime conditions:

• On 30 April, heavy rains brought operations to a standstill;
• On 1 May, persistent inclement weather continued to disrupt efforts;
• From 2 to 4 May, exceptionally low tides during the day prevented the maritime transport of waste.

Despite these setbacks, the teams have persevered, continuing their clearing efforts during the low tides.

Currently, nine pirogues are ferrying debris between Île-aux-Bénitiers and La Gaulette, where it is subsequently transferred into six refuse bins before being transported to the treatment centre at La Chaumière.

It is crucial to emphasise that access to the island remains strictly prohibited to the public throughout the duration of this operation, ensuring the long-term protection of the unique flora and fauna that call Île-aux-Bénitiers home.

Source: Defi Media