Mauritian Firm demands Rs 13.5M for Metro Extension Damages

The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) in Moka is demanding Rs 13.5 million in compensation from debt-stricken Metro Express Limited (MEL) for damages caused during the metro extension works towards Côte d’Or. The lab submitted a detailed report last year, outlining the damage and associated costs to the Agriculture Services, which are to forward the claim to the Ministry of Agriculture.

While the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA) has already received compensation for damages to its equipment during the same construction, FTL is still waiting for its payout.

The report highlights significant negative impacts on the FTL’s operations due to the construction work on the light rail metro extension from Rose-Hill/Réduit to Côte d’Or via Moka, which began in April 2023.

The disruption affected the lab’s infrastructure, equipment, staff morale, and working conditions. Sensitive equipment was damaged by vibrations, including a gel documentation system that broke down (estimated cost: Rs 2.5 million).

The PCR machine used for GMO testing is now unusable, halting GMO and microbiological rapid tests, with replacement costs estimated at Rs 4 million.

The building itself was affected, requiring waterproofing repairs estimated at Rs 2.4 million—funds that have not yet been allocated.

The construction debris also damaged the soil, with replacement costs around Rs 2.6 million.

Additionally, the old PABX telephone system is no longer operational, with repair costs estimated at Rs 2 million.

The report stated: “The metro works have had a huge impact on the work at the Food Technology Laboratory, especially on equipment, infrastructure, staff morale, and welfare.”

It notes that the lab, accredited for about 25 tests and involved in regulatory and research analyses, experienced numerous service interruptions during the construction.

These included frequent power outages, water supply disruptions, diesel shortages, issues with septic tanks and waste management, and the need to rebuild the sample reception area. The team also reported thefts during this period.

Vibrations from drilling caused glassware breakage and electrical fluctuations, leading to the failure of the gel documentation system.

The lab estimated it needs at least Rs 2.5 million to replace this equipment.

The PCR machine for GMO quantification is also broken, stopping GMO and rapid microbiological testing. Replacing this device will cost at least Rs 4 million, not including reagents and other supplies.

Metro Impact: Damages and Difficult Working Conditions

The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) in Moka reports that part of its building, including the former deputy director’s office and sample reception area, had to be demolished.

During this time, staff faced very difficult working conditions.

The report explained that demolition caused increased dust, noise, and cracks in the building’s infrastructure. The lab received visits from the health and safety officer after staff complaints.

The cracks led to water leaks and water buildup, especially during rainy seasons and cyclones, damaging the false ceilings.

This creates risks of further equipment damage and health hazards.

The lab estimates that urgent waterproofing work costing Rs 2.4 million is needed. Despite submitting budget proposals last year, funding has not been released.

The lab emphasizes that, according to ISO 17025 standards, maintaining proper environmental conditions is crucial for sensitive equipment and air quality, which directly affect test results.

Construction work has disrupted these conditions, notably increasing dust inside the lab.

For example, environmental monitoring and cleaning frequency have had to be increased in the microbiology section, which is difficult due to a shortage of lab assistants and general workers.

In the chemistry section, more dust has accumulated on equipment and throughout the lab because of increased traffic from vehicles and metro trains passing near the building.

Dust, debris, and broken materials from demolition have also accelerated floor wear, which would require about Rs 2.6 million to replace. A damaged floor poses risks of contamination and accidents.

Additionally, the main entrance was moved, leading to reorganized reception, parking, and sample handling procedures. The current sample reception area still needs minor improvements, the lab stated.

Related Challenges and Safety Concerns

The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) also reports issues with its old phone system. The PABX phone system in the former reception area no longer works properly, and repairs and upgrades are estimated to cost around Rs 2 million.

The lab states that parking has decreased, making it harder for staff and visitors to park. The access road to the FTL has been in poor condition for some time.

Some clients have reported difficulty reaching the laboratory. Although the situation has improved somewhat, the current road remains dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles due to reckless driving by some users. The lab noted that there is still no proper road signage.

Because of ongoing construction and the proximity of the metro, holding meetings—whether in person or virtual—has become impossible in some offices or in the conference room.

The FTL explains that they use the conference room for management meetings, which are required by ISO 17025 standards, as well as for national meetings, training sessions, and other official activities.

The constant noise from construction likely affects staff welfare.

The lab highlights that several problems remain unresolved after the metro work.

These include rebuilding the destroyed guardhouse, reinstalling the main gate, and widening the road in front of the FAREI building. These issues pose health and safety risks.

FTL emphasizes that one of the four Assistant Directors of Agricultural Services was responsible for liaising with the Ministry of Land Transport during the project and overseeing related work at the lab.

The laboratory also informed that a formal report on the unfinished work has been submitted to the ministry for transmission to the Ministry of Transport and Light Rail. However, no action has been taken yet on the outstanding issues.

Source: Le Mauricien