A breakthrough solution to eradicate the traffic problems
in and around Port Louis

This document outlines in a very broad sense a breakthrough solution to eradicate the traffic problems in and around Port Louis. Due to the complexity of the problem, technical details for design and implementation have been left for the appropriate experts.

The proposal is not only more practical and easier to implement, it is also cheaper and addresses more than just traffic problems.

The document firstly paints a quick picture of the current situation and then explains how the proposed solution solves step by step the different issues raised.

The layout of this report is as follows:

1. TRAFFIC CONGESTION: The Causes

1.1. Bottleneck at entrances and exits

The principal cause of traffic jam is due to the configuration of Port Louis. It can be compared to a bottle with a small neck. The entrances, and therefore by implication the exits, are so small that they do not permit a rapid movement of traffic at peak hours, when the number of vehicles entering the City is innumerable. However, it should be pointed out that it is very common nowadays that even outside peak time, there is traffic congestion. It is as if, it

has become forcefully a way of life. Should we surrender to this problem?

1.2. Convergence of traffic from several directions

In addition to the bottleneck problem, there is a convergence of traffic at the main entrance of Port Louis. Traffic from north to south and vice versa have to inevitably converge with traffic entering and leaving the City. This is where the traffic congestion accentuates further to the point of paralysing the whole Capital area.

1.3. Narrow roads and ever-increasing number of vehicles

Other than its shape, Port Louis is becoming relatively smaller over time, because of the ever-increasing number of vehicles driving in and out. Moreover, most of the main roads are narrow and the flow of traffic is severely hampered. As parking takes half of the width of the roads, the situation is further aggravated.

To sum up, the main cause of the problem is thus, Port Louis itself. As a result of its configuration, the Capital City can no longer accommodate the ever-increasing traffic both driving in and through its territory. There is no room for any enlargement of its entrances as building infrastructures have taken too much space. Hence, the only solution is to control the flow of traffic and in so doing we can with a certitude get rid of the traffic congestion. However, we should not forget that the traffic congestion has other associated problems as

well and we, therefore, have to tackle the overall situation. This is what this report is about to do indeed.

Now let us consider the resulting problems in the following section.

2. TRAFFIC CONGESTION: The Resulting Problems

2.1. Lateness at work

This is the most obvious consequence of traffic problems. The workers are late on the workplace. This results to decrease in productivity and efficiency and therefore a considerable loss in terms of man hours paid, but with no output for the organisation and finally for the country.

2.2. Pressure of punctuality on the workers

However, many workers are very keen to be in time at work and as such they have to bear the undue pressure of punctuality. Other than traffic problems, poor bus services do make things worse for them. Many workers are compelled to get on already crowded buses, as straphangers, in a desperate attempt to be punctual. The route No. 198 is a flagrant example of such everyday scene. How could they be efficient when they have to face such pressures prior to start working?

2.3. Stress on the drivers

Likewise, the drivers are very stressed on the roads. This is so due to the race against time that they have to embark into. There is the need to catch up lost time in traffic jam and to be punctual. Are they driving safely? Is it not one of the causes of accidents? And what is the productivity at office after going through this entire ordeal?

2.4. Parking problems

The search for a convenient parking slot is another sort of headache for the drivers after having made a long and tedious journey. As a result of the limited parking space in Port Louis, they are sanctioned by penalties.

2.5. Loss in foreign currency reserves

Every time a vehicle has to start again, after a stop due to traffic congestion, entails to an increase in fuel consumption. It follows that traffic jam leads to unnecessary drainage of foreign currency reserves as fuel is imported. Figures that were published in the press turn around Rs.500 millions per annum. Here, we should not put aside the additional increase of toxic smoke emission in the atmosphere.

2.6. Air pollution

Obviously, the air in the city is subject to inevitable pollution. These days we are talking of the greenhouse effect. Before we would reach the critical situation of some overseas cities, we should take preventive measures as it is still time. However, the air has already been affected when we can notice the difference in the evening and especially during weekends when the number of vehicles are very low in Port Louis. It is amazing and also alarming to

note this big gap. Should the situation be left unattended, there is no doubt that we would have to face unwanted problems ahead.

2.7. Noise pollution

Needless to say that we have noise pollution too in the city, mainly caused by the traffic driving in and out. Port Louis is the seat of power in Mauritius. It means that major decisions and works are done in this place. As a matter of fact, it is sine qua non that a reasonable working environment should prevail at all times.

2.8. Impact on the climatic conditions - Micro Climats

Along with the problems of air and noise pollution, our meteorologists have found that there are micro climats in the Capital City. Does this not confirm its slow degrading atmospheric state? Again, is it not the greenhouse effect?

2.9. An overcrowded area and discomfort

These days especially, are the people visiting and working in the city not complaining of discomfort due to the increasingly hot temperature? Can we afford to say that the number of vehicles is not responsible for this uneasiness?

Similarly, the city is becoming overcrowded due to the number of vehicles in circulation and parked along the roads in the centre of Port Louis. At any time during the working week, there are traffic jams along the main routes. And above all, the pedestrians are having less and less walking space. Certainly, it is too overcrowded over there.

2.10. Resulting effects on the workers

The environmental problems do in fact have their impacts on the workers. They may not be apparent yet. We are living with the consequences of this race against time, which accounts for most of the pressures of life. To what extent could we bear such conditions? We are all making lots of efforts to have a better living. At the end of the day, are we really better off?

This question could hardly be answered in the affirmative. We are all suffering from the modern disease, which is stress. There is no miraculous remedy to get rid of it, because it has

become part of our lives unwillingly. Hence, we now talk of stress management and where there is management there is control. It means that we need to control the level of pressures in our daily lives. Therefore, we should see to it that we could regulate those things that are controllable. And we can no doubt take control of the unnecessary pressures of travelling to work and back. Such endeavour would nullify to a large extent the harmful effects on the health of the workers. Do we not say that the good health of the labour force is a requisite for a healthy national economy?

2.11. Risk of paralysis

Without surprising anyone, it can be said that traffic jam could take the whole of Mauritius hostage. The Camp Chapelon roadblock by rioters is very fresh in our memories. A few stones did cause a lot of concern to the whole nation. We are back to the wall in such a situation, because Port Louis is overcrowded by vehicles and is completely paralysed owing to its bottleneck exits. Could we afford to be in such a vulnerable position, should a similar trouble repeat itself?

3. PORT LOUIS - Facing more pressures

3.1. An overexploited surface area and tension

Surface overexploitation has been undertaken without consideration of the possible side effects. At this moment there is the strong and constant feeling of overcrowding everywhere along the main streets and the tall buildings considerably affect the air space. The question that should be asked is to what extent Port Louis could accommodate further infrastructure developments? Is it not high time to move away new developments to alternative locations? With the passage of time, such practice has even been accelerated instead of setting up a

defined policy for proper infrastructure development. Huge buildings are being constructed without parking facilities for both residents and visitors.

There is no proper planning for infrastructure developments. Therefore constructions are made all over the place without consideration for breathing space and nor for parking requirements. Hence, most of the vehicles resort to parking along roads and other corners. As a result of the overexploitation, there is an ever-lasting tension during weekdays in the air, which makes the people tensed as well. This has also its psychological effect.

3.2. Over-concentration of activities

For years it has been said here and there that decentralisation is being overdue, but no action has been taken so far. Instead, Government activities have been more concentrated in Port Louis area. In this juncture private business activities have been compelled to follow the same path. Do we really need to be in Port Louis to conduct our daily business?

We should now consider seriously the displacement of existing ministries and other departments that are not fully dependant on Port Louis. Examples include sectors like sports, social security, arts and culture. The advancements in communication and information technology have virtually eliminated distance constraints and therefore in many situations geographical position does not matter at all. The Internet, Intranet, LAN and WAN are vital tools that are at our disposal for quick and better access, and even permanent contact. And

especially that we are talking a lot of an information-based economy.

Here, I would suggest that the land area around La Vigie is at present fully available at no opportunity cost and could accommodate new developments. And why not the Cyber City?

4. WORLD BANK CONSULTANTS PROPOSALS: Drawbacks

4.1. The Light train

The light train would have been the best solution to our problem. It is a very speedy and mass means of transport. A modern transport for modern times as so many have stated, but other

reports have highlighted its non-viability. The cost of ticket per passenger has been estimated to be higher compared to actual equivalent bus fare for the trip between Curepipe and Port Louis. The big question that needs to be asked here is who will pay for the bill?

It should be noted that the main reason most of the people travel to Port Louis is to attend duty. Taking into consideration that travelling expenditure is fully refunded by the employers according to the Law, it follows that it is finally the government that will pay for the cost of tickets. Does this make sense? Additionally, the cost of maintenance is expected to be very high. Should this means of transport be extended to a larger part of the country, and then the cost of investment could be justified.

Actually, it is not the case, as it would serve only a short trip and a restricted number of travellers. Only we could expect that some buses would disappear from the road, but all the other problems would still be present. It is not certain that the people would stop travelling by cars. Most importantly, the light train would not be able to reach the centre of Port Louis. In contrast, buses could easily do so without the need for feeder services and this is the only motivation that would encourage the people to keep their cars in the garage.

The light train, based on the latest report, would require a number of new policies, restructuring, traffic restraint and so forth for its successful implementation. All this could cause a lot of chaos and damage to other activities, concerned parties and road users. The biggest concern is about the risks of unemployment and loss of business in the transport industry.

Likewise, there would be the need for specific land for installations in respect to the light train. Port Louis is relatively a small area, we would not expect several train stations and hence, it would mean that the travellers would have a further distance to go before reaching their offices. The light train system thus would not provide the flexibility, as the buses would do.

4.2. The Bus lane

The bus lane would necessitate as well huge investment. This option would allow only the easy circulation of buses to Port Louis and nothing more. The present situation could as well worsen further. The traffic congestion would be enhanced as a result of an increase in the flow of vehicles at the same time through the bottlenecks at the entrance of Port Louis. The pressures on the city would increase as well. It seems that there would be even more problems to sort out. It should be noted that this option would also cover the distance between Curepipe and Port Louis. And, the other problems as highlighted above in section 2 would prevail. Therefore, would the required big investment be justified? Is it the right solution?

4.3 The Kerb-Guided Bus System

This alternative system is nothing more than the complete substitute to the light train. Therefore, there is no need to elaborate further, as the same drawbacks apply as in the case ofthe light train.

5. THE NEW PROPOSAL - The all-in-one Solution

The traffic is the source of all our problems as outlined above. Therefore, the real solution should basically be centred on the control of traffic. This is the key point in this new solution. Now, we move to the most important part of this report, the solution, which consists of the following steps.

5.1. Removal of traffic - removal of problems in Port Louis

As everybody knows, the traffic is our main problem. So, let us get rid of it and all our other problems are solved! I propose to restrict maximum access to Port Louis at least during weekdays. With less traffic, the City would not choke and the roads would be free, thus enabling the workers to be right in time at office. Therefore, this would help to restore the productivity and the efficiency level as expected. This point might seem a little odd, but it is just one part of the picture. So, let us see the whole picture!

5.2. Ban all full day public parking

Next, we should ban all public parking in the main area of activity. The roads would then allow easy access in and out of the City. Only vehicles that are holder of a valid pass for private parking would be allowed to enter unchecked by the various Police checkpoints. A heavy fine should penalise unauthorised parking. Here, the car owners might be very unhappy. Well, there is a national problem and we have to help together to solve it. But, finally they would be better off. Wait and see!

5.3. Close the Victoria Bus Station

This bus station would no more be needed under this plan, as buses would have farther access within Port Louis. The buses would be prohibited to park in the main area. I suggest that the trouble with the Çmarchands ambulantsÈ would be over by that time. I would propose that most of this area should be allocated to them with all the required facilities to earn their living. The other part should come to the taxi operators with more space than presently.

5.4. Open routes exclusively for buses

With the closure of the Victoria Bus Station, all the buses irrespective of routes would have to move around with no right to park except at the Champ de Mars area or other reserved roads. Specific routes would have to be traced to enable them to drive to the main points of the Capital. These routes should be one way as far as possible. The buses should not enter and leave Port Louis along the same routes in order to avoid possible traffic problems again.

There would be no waiting buses, as they would be obliged to go around the traced routes as from the designated bus parks outside the central area. Alternatively, parking provisions could be made as well. It would be addressed later on.

5.5. Incentives for executive coaches and longer buses

In the light of the new era in Port Louis many people, and among whom there would be top executives, would be motivated to travel by bus to attend work. It would be more fun and leisure than driving their own cars given the daily stress of the drivers, like to face traffic jam, finding a proper parking slot and the probability of accidents, and especially that cars would be prohibited of access in Port Louis centre. Government should provide incentives to companies and other organisations to operate executive coaches.

In addition, bus companies should be encouraged to acquire longer buses for mass

transportation, let say 70 seats or more. Not only the number of the passengers per trip would increase, but also the number of buses would decrease on our main roads.

Here, special attention should be given to the type of buses to be permitted to enter Port Louis area. It should be mandatory that the new buses should be modern, comfortable and environment-friendly. However, a long transition period would have to be observed before the existing buses could be fully replaced. Pending the total replacement it should be a must that all existing buses should be pollution-free as required by the Law. Hence, no black smoke, no oil leakages and no abnormal mechanical noise should be allowed. Strict application of the law should be made in a view to reduce all vehicle-based pollutions. Infringements of the law should be severely penalized.

5.6. Bus stops at central points

Thus, we could afford to have bus stops at key points in Port Louis. There could be, for example, a bus stop at Emmanuel Anquetil Building, one at the Government House, another at Cernée House, etc. The location of bus stops would depend largely on the bus routes to be traced and the concentration of passengers. Of course, this design would require technical support of the specialists in this domain.

5.7. Transit parking

Provisions would have to be made for visitors to Port Louis and special paid parking should be provided for let say a maximum of 2 to 3 hours. For this purpose, the roads with low traffic away from the main centre should be used and should be strictly controlled to avoid illegal practices. Other places like the Cathedral Square could also be reserved for such purpose.

Given the availability of space under the new proposal, temporary parking could also be allowed near key business units like the SBM, the MCB, Registrar General's Office, etc. Such facility should be limited to customers and other visitors only. The respective organisations should be requested to make reservations and to pay a monthly fee in addition to parking fees paid by the users.

Similarly, attention should be paid to trucks driving into Port Louis especially for loading and unloading mainly in the wholesale area. Transit parking should be provided for such vehicles along roads in that region. Reservations would have to be made by the wholesalers and other importers against a monthly fee. Equally, the truck owners should pay a parking fee. The duration restrictions as mentioned above should also apply. Same arrangements should be made for the central market.

5.8. INTRODUCTION OF CAR STATIONS - The only solution

This is a word that probably I am the first to use in Mauritius. The Car Station is simply a huge and highly secured parking for the vehicles driving to Port Louis. I firmly believe that it is the most direct, practical and cost-effective solution to our traffic problems after taking into consideration all the factors discussed so far.

The eradication of traffic jam and related problems within Port Louis could only be done by controlling the flow of vehicles. If we cannot break the neck of the bottle, then we have to regulate the flow in order that we can keep things moving. Hence, the idea of a Car Station comes right in time to solve our big problems, because the City has no more room for further cost-effective and environment-friendly road developments. Obviously, the Car Station has to be away from the bottleneck.

Large plots of land have been identified at Soreze on both sides of the highway just before

the "morcellement" and also at Pailles opposite the underpass. They are partly under sugar cane cultivation at present and apparently belong to private owners. However, the growth of the crops is in bad shape and it is understood that the land is either not fertile or very arid. As such the opportunity cost is marginal. I propose that the land should compulsorily be acquired (under the Compulsory Acquisition Act) on the ground of national interest, but the owners

should be fairly compensated to the extent that the Law allows it.

In short, the Car Stations at Soreze and Pailles would provide parking facilities for all vehicles driving to Port Louis through the south and west entrances respectively. There are various options as regards to the structure of the Car Stations. It could range from the simple surface parking to a modern multi-storey parking. It would largely depend on the number of vehicles. Certainly, a parking fee would be payable. No parking other than private and transit parking would be allowed in Port Louis.

Along with the operation of these two Car Stations, similar structures could be needed at the

north and east entrances. However, we should proceed by phases, starting with that of Soreze

and Pailles in the first instance. Pending the introduction of the other two car stations if

needed, the vehicles from north and east entrances could be allowed to be parked at Champ

de Mars equally against payment of a parking fee. Same security arrangements would apply.

The in-and-out access to the Car Stations would be another very technical aspect to be given

due attention. To avoid any traffic problems there would be several alternatives to be

considered among a fly-over, underpass and a link road to the underpass at Pailles. Hence, the

best access would have to be found, which would be the job of the experts. Furthermore, it

would be expected that there would be increased pressure over the Phoenix Roundabout

especially during the afternoon, as the flow of traffic would be very fast as from the Car

Station. This would lead to an expected traffic jam, because presently there are already some

problems at this level. Some road adjustments would need to be made to ease the rising flow

of traffic. I would propose a direct road bypassing the roundabout for vehicles moving

towards the roundabout at Highlands. This measure would prevent these vehicles from

converging at the roundabout at Phoenix and the pressure would hence decrease substantially.

Provisions would also have to be made for vehicles moving towards the Industrial zone of

Phoenix, Valentina and around. There is enough room for such adjustments and a plan could

be worked out thereafter.

This proposal draws no comparison with all other options, that is, fly-overs, circular road, bus lane and light train as far as financing is concerned. The Car Stations would generate its own income in terms of parking fees and royalties paid on the resulting commercial activities in its vicinity. In the long term, it should be able to recover the initial investment made and

afterwards to earn profits. As such, there would be no significant financial burden on both the

government and the people.

The biggest complaint, that road users would raise, would be about their established

convenience - the ease of being near to parking and to office. However, the consequences are

mainly traffic jam, parking problem, resulting stress, time wastage and driving pressures. The

Car Stations would remove all these problems and above all would provide further

advantages like easy access to parking, security services, car care centres, filling stations,

one-stop shops, hypermarkets and other common services to be developed alongside. There

could be nothing better than all this-a new and better way of life for all of them. The only

effort that they would have to make would be to park their vehicles at the Car Station and get

on the link travel service to their workplaces. The expense and time required for this short

trip are almost the same when compared to driving during the hectic hours over the same

distance. And additionally, other than the benefits, I believe that as citizens of this country we all have a duty to do this little extra effort to solve our national problems. As well, our Capital City really needs this effort from us to restore its good health. We should not wait until it is too late to take action.

The last question that requires attention here is undoubtedly about link services between the

Car Stations and the central points of Port Louis. The success of the Car Station would

depend fully on the efficiency of the feeder services, which are dealt with below.

5.9. Feeder services

In the first instance, I would propose 30 buses of 25 seats to provide the link service. They

should be able to reach the centre within 5 minutes and not more. On one hand there would

be less traffic on the roads and on the other hand they would drive along bus routes. They

would thus access all focal points of the Port Louis area. Such services would be available

mostly during the peaks hours and outside this time frame, the normal bus service on this

route would operate by a detour in and out of the Car Stations. We should expect that the

buses would deliver a rapid service at all times. Thus, the feeder services should take the

minimum time to travel from the Car Station to the nearest point of the offices. I could state

that overall it should be less than the time needed by car actually taking into consideration

delays caused by traffic jams, the time for parking and the time to walk to office points. We

should expect that the buses should be fully pollution-free. Furthermore, an alternative to

buses could be introduced and it is discussed below.

Before we would move to that alternative, I would wish to address the issue of affected

parties, when buses would have direct access to the centre of Port Louis. These parties would

be mainly taxi operators and bus operators providing short services within or through the

heart of the City. Should the financial loss be considerable, I would propose that these parties should be offered priority over acquisition of shares in the newly formed companies to

operate feeder services. An appropriate agreement would have to be reached accordingly.

5.10. Tramway as an alternative feeder service

The other option in this case could be the tramway. According to previous feasibility report,

it would have cost around Rs. 115 millions in terms of investment to operate over the

distance between the north and the south bus stations. This is a clear indication that the

tramway would cost relatively much less. I would suggest that the most appropriate route in

this juncture should start from the Car Station at Soreze, would go through the central part of

Port Louis, to the north bus station and back. Otherwise, the tramway system should also be

capable to link all 3 or 4 car stations when they would be fully operational. The tramway

system could use part of our present road infrastructure. There is enough room for such

development.

In the event that the tramway option would be acceptable, we could consider the prohibition

of buses as well into the City area. In such a case, separate provisions should be made for bus

parking along the Car Stations. I should acknowledge that this option could cause some

inconvenience to bus travellers and therefore further study would be required for a reasonable

evaluation.

5.11. New employment

The advent of the Car Stations, and as a consequence the feeder services, would create new

employment opportunities especially at lower grade levels. Other than the management of the

Car Stations, other business units would be developed as already mentioned, car care centres

and hypermarkets for example. Hence, we could expect creation of employment as compared

to the other proposals, where there would be risk of unemployment.

5.12. Port Louis as a green and clean City

A golden opportunity would be presented to us to make Port Louis a very clean City. Proper

and regular cleaning would be easy to undertake given that all the area would be very

accessible at any time of the day.

Similarly, we could make the Capital as far as possible green subject to availability of space.

This would be a very sensible and laudable project. As the streets would be partially free, the

possibilities of tree transplantation could be considered. Various corners could be given a

new and green look, as it is the case in many major cities like in Singapore, where the

environment has been duly taken care of. I believe firmly that this action would be even

indispensable in the light of the atmospheric conditions prevailing in Port Louis presently. It

would be our only chance to lessen the greenhouse effect. And we would therefore prevent

the situation from further degradation.

In addition, it would be time to look after the system of drains in Port Louis. A proper rainfall drainage system is actually badly required. When it rains, most of the ditches overflow and as a result there is flooding along many roads causing inconvenience to both pedestrians and vehicles.

Well, the opportunity would be there to seize and make the improvements as never before.

5.13. Any uncovered difficulties

Any uncovered difficulty here should be treated with objectivity and not as an obstacle. The

scope of this proposal is merely to put forward a solution in its broad sense. The room for

improvement is unlimited and the capacity to improvise is very high. Let us give this

proposal its due merits. Now we move to the benefits of the Car Stations so that we could be

convinced once for all that it would be the only real solution.

5.14. Benefits of the Car Station

1. It would maintain status quo as regards employment in the transport sector.

2. It would relieve us of the problems faced daily, for example:

2.1. Traffic jams

2.2. Parking scarcities

2.3. Drivers' stress

2.4. Lost in time and energy for road users

2.5. Low productivity & efficiency

2.6. Difficult access and circulation within Port Louis at any time of the day

2.7. Pressures & stress on employees travelling by bus

2.8. Lateness at work

2.9. Other impacts on the health of the employees

3. Noise and air pollution would be kept under control.

4. Large savings in foreign currency reserves would be made.

5. New employment would be created as a result of feeder services, car care centres, parking

services, parking security services, etc.

6. There would be no long-term financial burden on the government and the people.

7. Very low initial investment is required.

8. The Capital City would be saved from the current unsolved problems of major

international Capitals. Hence, we should have a clean and green Port Louis.

9. New services for car owners mainly- Car care centres, Hypermarkets, one-stop shops,

etc.

10. A new atmosphere in Port Louis - Less crowded, more space, less tension, more mobility,

and so on.

11. A project entirely in the national interest and based on the Mauritian context.

12. It would be above all a self-financing project.

13. No impact on ongoing and future infrastructure developments as far as land use is

concerned.

14. There would be easy bus access to the heart of Port Louis.

15. The problem with "marchand ambulants" would be solved indefinitely.

16. No new policies, restructuring and other restraints would be needed.

6. SUPPLEMENTARY MEASURES

In addition, we could consider some additional measures, should the need arise following the

introduction of the Car Stations. They are as follows:

6.1. Flexi-time

Several times this matter has been raised at different levels, but concrete actions are still

awaited. Flexi-time is also a difficult concept to implement because it requires various

conditions to be satisfied in order to be successful. Yet, it does not mean that it is impossible to introduce. Where there is a will, there is a way. This concept demands in fact adjustments in the present working system. However, owing to existing constraints and specificity some jobs or sectors would be in a difficult position to adapt successfully to the attached conditions of flexi-time system, but the room for implementation does remain elsewhere.

Hence, this is to show how the possibilities for flexi-time do exist and it depends on the

policy-makers to lead the way. The benefits are numerous, ranging from the improvement in

productivity and efficiency, job satisfaction and stress management to resolving the transport

problems and even traffic problems.

6.2. Decentralisation of Government Services

This point has already been mentioned above and it is becoming a must. The miracles of

information technology have made distance and location meaningless. It is time that the

government could envisage some actions in this direction. Some people might be asking

about the availability of office space outside Port Louis. As an example, it is now over five

years, that the Social Security House at Rose Hill has got free large office space.

By the way, it must be pointed out that Reduit should have been considered as a strategic

zone. Yet, it is a pity to find out that developments have been made just in the same manner

as squatters do. There has been no optimum use of land in that region. Buildings have been

erected here and there with a tunnel vision, and future developments have been sacrificed.

Reduit is such a place that could be easily and quickly accessed from any point of the

country. This focal region should have been the best site for decentralisation of government

activities. It is out of question to come and say that prime land presently under sugar cane

cultivation should be used for future developments. We should never forget that our prime

land is the foundation of our economic success and represents the most valuable asset along

with our human resource. We cannot afford to misuse this limited natural and profitable

economic factor. Sugar production could be unprofitable one day, but there would be other

viable alternatives, which are now already present. This means that we cannot use our fertile

land for other purpose than crop cultivation. Unless that some day an oil well is found on this

land!

In addition, tall structures could have accommodated common government services under the

same roof. It is high time to consider this issue, when it is question of construction of new

public buildings outside Port Louis. It is shocking to find out that public buildings have been

erected in Reduit and Phoenix, for instance, with a sub-optimality view of the owner

organisations. There is thus very poor planning and management in this field.

No doubt, decentralisation needs to be given due attention in an attempt to help settle the

above national problems. Such measures would also increase productivity and at the same

time save cost in terms of travelling refund made to employees. This item of expenditure

represents a big share in the Government budget. Finally, we should consider seriously the

possibility of new developments in the area around La Vigie instead of wasting prime land.

6.3. Time of receiving public/visitors in the Public Sector

The public visits could be set at a time which does not coincide with the arrival of the

employees. Let us put it at 10.00 hours. This measure would decrease the demand on the

transport service at the peak time and also the number of vehicles would decrease on the

roads to some extent.

6.4. Working hours in the Private Sector

Moreover, most of the private sector firms do start working earlier than in the public service.

It is commonly at 8.30 a.m. If the whole private sector could align with the same early

practice and may be if it could be even earlier, say 8.15 am, the situation would certainly

improve on the roads and at the bus stations too. An appeal could be made for assistance to

the private sector in the national interest.

6.5. Commercial units to be opened as from 10.a.m.

In the same line of thought, all commercial units excluding vital services should be opened as

from 10.00 am too. The resulting effect would be the same as discussed above. And most

importantly, the number of heavy vehicles would decrease on the roads at peak hours and

would be a further help in eradicating traffic congestion.

7. CONCLUSION

Now it is obvious that traffic jams are not stand-alone problems, but rather they do trigger

other problems too, affecting the people and the environment at the same time. For this

reason we should look over the situation with a global view. And we should consider a global

solution, which should meet both present and future demands.

The solution proposed here is a revolutionary one as it has the ability to tackle all these

aspects simultaneously. And most importantly it is more practical, comparatively cheap and

without mentioning that it is self-financing. It has a lot of advantages that the other suggested

solutions could hardly provide. The most anticipated obstacle is to make the road users adapt

to a new habit. It is just a question of days, and finally they would realise that the derived

benefits would outweigh their supposed inconvenience. A resistance is always a common feature when change is about to come. This is human nature and this is a natural reaction. A change management strategy should be adopted to prepare the people for the coming change.

I wish to mention that I have conceived this solution years back as part of a vision of a better country for my fellow compatriots. I believe in possibilities and we have the means to

achieve a great deal of improvements in this country.

I am making the proposal to the government as the crucial decision is now under consideration. I would be very grateful to assist in its design and implementation, of course in the event that this solution would be accepted. And especially, I expect that there would be many possibilities to be explored and a lot of improvisation to be made in order to achieve

the optimum solution. As any other projects, there would always be both foreseeable and

unforeseeable constraints to deal with. I remain at the total disposal of this project to provide my best assistance.

Finally, I am very proud as a Mauritian to have worked out such a big proposal and this is a

100 percent Mauritius-made solution. I seize this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to

a few good and reliable friends for their contribution in one way or another in the preparation

of this document.

Now, I hope that the solution proposed here would be welcomed by one and all in the

national interest and for the benefit of the whole nation.

Shiwraj PITTEA

Market Road

Rose Belle

E-mail: Shivajee_2000@yahoo.co.uk

3 May 2001