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Roches-Noires Lands for Sale After EIA Rejection, Deadline August 15
The lands intended for the now-canceled Roches-Noires Smart City project are being offered for sale. This follows the official rejection of the environmental permit (EIA) request submitted by PR Capital.
The site, located on the northeast coast of Mauritius, is environmentally sensitive and under heightened scrutiny by authorities and environmental groups.
They fear that despite bans, there could be attempts to develop the area again.
Interested buyers have until August 15, 2025, at 4 p.m. local time to submit offers.
The sale process is managed by Deloitte, under the supervision of court-appointed administrators.
The invitation to bid was published on June 15, 2025, by Receiver & Manager Krishen Veerasamy of Roches Noires Resorts & Residence Ltd, which is currently under restructuring.
Bidders must include a deposit of 10% of their offered price, with the remaining balance due upon signing the transfer deed.
This sale follows the rejection of PR Capital’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) application, which was initially submitted in September 2023.
The proposed project included building a hotel complex, residential units, two golf courses, and commercial zones over nearly 353 hectares.
On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Environment rejected the project after a detailed environmental review.
The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on May 29, citing the site’s extreme ecological sensitivity.
The area includes a 17.7-hectare lagoon (barachois), mangroves, 18 coastal wetlands (four of which are ecologically sensitive), coastal forests, and unique geological formations such as lava tunnels and the La Cave Madame cave.
An inter-ministerial committee highlighted the risks of large-scale urbanization threatening this natural heritage.
The lands also have direct access to the sea, making them attractive to investors interested in eco-tourism or alternative projects.
However, environmental groups remain vigilant, warning against potential threats to this fragile ecosystem.
In a recent statement, they emphasized the rich biodiversity of Roches-Noires and the dangers posed by urban development.
They urge citizens, residents, scientists, and NGOs to stay alert to protect this unique environment for future generations.
The controversy over Roches-Noires is ongoing. During the project’s evaluation, many public comments warned of irreversible damage to landscapes, cultural sites, and ecological features.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Committee, which reviewed the project on May 15, 2025, recommended against granting an EIA license needed for large-scale development.
Environmental advocates welcomed this decision, but the recent sale of the land raises fears that future development might still occur despite the rejection.
The bidding terms clarify that the administrators are not obligated to accept any offer or explain rejections, leaving the site’s future uncertain.
Conservationists stress the need for increased oversight to prevent any attempts to bypass environmental objections.
The current situation underscores the importance of collective vigilance to safeguard Roches-Noires’ ecological wealth—recognized repeatedly by authorities—and prevent irreversible damage.
The ongoing debate reflects the broader tension in Mauritius between economic development and environmental protection.
Source: Defi Media
