The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, participated, today, in the National Clean-up Campaign of Motorways, in Plaine Magnien and Midlands, before attending a tree planting ceremony at the National Environment Cleaning Authority (NECA) premises in Vacoas.

The Clean-up Campaign is being organised by the NECA in the context of the celebrations of the 55th Anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius.

The Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano; the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Jean Christophe Stephan Toussaint; the Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; and other personalities were also present.

In a statement following the tree planting ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted that Government puts much emphasis on the protection of the environment so that Mauritius becomes greener. He underlined the importance of ensuring that cleaning is carried out throughout the island and consequently, the setting up of the NECA to better coordinate the cleaning of the environment and avoid duplicity of work between different entities.

Mr Jugnauth stressed on the relevance of sensitising the population to be more respectful towards the environment and act responsibly by not littering.

He expressed satisfaction with regards to the coordination of all relevant stakeholders in this Clean-up Campaign and commended the private sector for its participation in the cleaning and embellishment of the motorway, which is being done in phases.

Furthermore, he underscored that a clean environment not only benefits citizens but also encourages tourists to visit the country. He also seized this opportunity to reiterate his appeal to the population to ensure that Mauritius remains clean so that every citizen lives in a healthier environment.

Prime Minister Jugnauth moreover reassured that Government takes into account the environmental aspect when bringing about infrastructural development around the country. For instance, he stated, if trees have to be cleared for a new road, an additional number of trees is being replanted to ensure that the country remains green.

It is recalled that the National Clean-up Campaign of Motorways, which started on 06 February 2023, is being carried out from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to Grand-Bay over some 70.7 kilometres and will be ongoing until April 2023. Stakeholders of the NECA involved in the campaign include: the Road Development Authority; local authorities; the Mauritius Police Force; the Living Environment Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change; the Field Services Unit of the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management; the Mauritius Sports Council; and Cleaning Technicians of Mauri-Facilities Management Company Ltd.