Security is a priority which cannot be compromised and fire certificates must be mandatory in all markets, said the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit, during a site visit at the Flacq market today. He was accompanied by the Junior Minister of Local Government, Mr Mohammad Fawzi Allymun, and Members of Parliament.

In a statement, Minister Woochit underlined the need to upgrade safety measures and revamp the infrastructure in markets across Mauritius. He recalled that the Flacq market is not the first to undergo inspection, adding that site visits have already been conducted at several other markets, including Rose Belle Market, Mahébourg Market, Triolet Market, Goodlands Market, and the Port Louis Central Market. A key concern from these inspections, he noted, is the lack of fire certificates in many markets, which he deemed essential for safety.

The Minister pointed out that obtaining fire certification requires compliance with several ancillary measures, namely proper wiring, electrical safety standards, installation of circuit breakers, and other essential safety protocols. Speaking about the Flacq market, he referred to issues such as the encroachment of sellers onto pathways and the presence of illegal hawkers. These challenges must be addressed gradually, with the collaboration of stakeholders, while ensuring the temporary relocation of vendors during renovation works, said Mr Woochit.

With regard to the poor condition of toilet facilities in some markets, the Minister reassured that necessary arrangements are underway to improve these amenities, reiterating Government’s commitment to providing safe and hygienic environments for both vendors and the public.

For his part, Mr Allymun spoke about poor ventilation at the Flacq market which according to him, requires immediate attention. He pointed out that site visits will be held at other markets across Mauritius to assess and address similar challenges.
