Three cases of fire were reported in sugarcane during the last 2 years in Mauritius

Three cases of fire were reported in sugarcane fields between July 2009 and July 14, 2011. The police have been conducting awareness programmes for small and medium sugarcaneplanters. They are also being sensitised on how to keep a neighbourhood watch.

This information was provided by Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam in reply to a question by MP Deven Nagalingum, who wanted to know about cases of fire and measures being taken to prevent these.

“As a preventive measure, the local police, the local CID, ERS and DSU, during patrols in their respective divisions, and also patrol sugarcane plantations. In addition, the SSU deploys two mobile patrols on a daily basis during the night in addition to northern and metropolitan (north) divisions. The SMF deploys three mobile patrols on a daily basis again during the night in addition to eastern, western and southern divisions, for stop and search operations. This is to prevent and detect offences,” said the PM.

He added that according to the information from the commissioner of police, planters are also being sensitised by the police. “The Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security set up a high powered committee in 2010 to control fire outbreaks in sugarcane fields,” said the PM.

He added that Mauritius Sugar Authority was entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the situation regarding cane fires for 2010 and 2011, with the collaboration of stakeholders.

“The decisions and modalities accepted by all stakeholders include proper maintenance of fields by controling weeds and trashing, what we call ‘dépaillage’ of cane along main access roads before the start of harvest and consolidation of regular and visible patrols by the police force and Government Fire Services in fire prone areas,” he added.

The PM said that a TV programme, made in collaboration with MBC will sensitise planters on issues related to this problem.