5 Market Auctioneers Demand Urgent Government Guarantees Over Decentralisation Plans

The Mauritian government is facing immediate backlash from market auctioneers following its decision to decentralise the National Wholesale Market in Wooton, with industry representatives citing a severe lack of consultation over the move.

The decentralisation plan, greenlit during Friday, 15 May, Council of Ministers meeting, will see the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB) establish regional wholesale markets across the island.

The first regional hub is scheduled to become operational in Goodlands by the end of May, while arrangements are already underway to implement a second site in the eastern region.

Auctioneers Demand Guarantees

Shemida Ramdewar-Emrith, speaking as the spokesperson for the affected auctioneers, has publicly deplored the lack of dialogue surrounding the initiative.

Ramdewar-Emrith raised pressing questions regarding how the future system will be organised, specifically highlighting mounting anxieties over hygiene and security standards.

Furthermore, the sector has sounded the alarm on the financial implications of the move, with Ramdewar-Emrith expressing explicit concerns regarding the potential impact decentralisation could have on produce prices.

In light of these industry-wide anxieties, the spokesperson is now demanding clear and definitive guarantees from the authorities.

Ministry Pledges Dialogue

In response to the growing unrest, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Arvin Boolell, has moved to reassure the sector.

Minister Boolell stated that the regional decentralisation project will, under no circumstances, affect the ongoing operations of the primary National Wholesale Market in Wooton.

Seeking to calm tensions, the Minister has also promised that formal consultations will be held with all relevant stakeholders in the sector.

Source: Defi Media