Lord Mayor to Instil Street Café Culture in Port Louis

Being the secretary general of the Partie Mauricien Social Democrate (PMSD), Kodabaccus did not fail to reassert his confidence in his party as well as in the alliance that they have with the Labour Party.

What were your major achievements upon becoming Lord Mayor?

The access to Wi-Fi enclosing an area of 500 meters from the municipality which will be available in few days is among the major works done. The connection speed will be up to two megabytes per second. Also, the setting up of solar panels at the City Hall and on the roads helped us save energy. A new market costing 60 million at Abercrombie was built and it can accommodate up to 300 vendors. There was a big cleaning campaign at Cité La Cure and roads were asphalted in Port Louis north and in certain areas to smooth the traffic. We are even renovating the old building of the National Transport Authority at the Victoria Bus Terminal.

Tell us about the future projects of the Municipal Council?

We are coming forward to establish a culture of street café in Port Louis. Also, trees will be planted to reduce the temperature by one to seven degrees in certain areas. This will help in the capture of carbon dioxide, decreasing its level in the air with the aim of making the capital a green area. To accelerate the project, 3000 adult trees which will be provided by the Forestry Services will be planted along roads. Port Louis will soon become a botanical garden. Moreover, a tourist walking trail will soon be at the service of tourists who wish to visit places of interest in the capital.

Have the problems of the hawkers and the merchants at the Central Market been solved?

The hawkers near the Central Market were illegally occupying the area. We deemed it necessary to use force to remove them from there to ease the congestion problem. Also, it is not safe for the public to buy food on the road. A new Hawkers Mall will be given to them to operate at the Monneron Street, behind the Life Insurance Corporation building. The merchants in the market had illegally added metal structures to extend their tables obstructing the way. Actions were taken against them.

How is your relationship with Eshan Joomun now that he has joined the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM)?

Joomun is still the councillor despite having changed parties. His opinions and views at the Municipal Council are taken into consideration. But the fact remains that we will be dealing with him as a member of the opposition.

Have you been approached by the members of the opposition to switch sides?

Everyone knows that it is not possible to uproot me from the PMSD party. They are luring other members of the Labour Party to come on their side by playing dirty politics.

You were seen participating very actively in the congresses. Are you thinking of a larger role?

As the secretary general of the PMSD, I am always very active to support my party in whatever circumstances. If there is a need to rally the streets, I am at the service of the party. I think the larger role you are referring is that of becoming a member of parliament but that depends on the decision of the Prime Minister.

How are the preparations for the May Day rally?

The congresses are already taking place and the battle for attracting the biggest crowd has already begun. The public is wise enough to deduce who will be the biggest crowd puller on May 1.

People in villages and towns are gearing up to support the PTR-PMSD. Bus facilities will be given to people to participate in the rally.

Do you think the MSM-MMM alliance will recreate the ‘Remake of 2000’?

History is proof that the MSM-MMM alliance holds the record for breaking and fighting among themselves compared to the PTR-PMSD.

I have already said that we are waiting for SAJ to attack and we will fight him back with due respect. It is only a myth that he was the father of the economic development in the country.

Talking about the PTR-PMSD alliance, were there any conflicts in both parties recently?

Can you name me a family where there is no conflict?

There are some misunderstandings that are solved instantly but concerning any disagreement between the two parties, these are simply rumours spread by members of the opposition.

Any idea when the much awaited municipal elections will be held?

Nothing has been finalised yet. It will be held soon this year.