Trou aux Biches: Extensive Damage after Recent Rain, Confirm Fears of Inhabitants

 And more after the damage has occurred on the site following the torrential rains that watered the country this week.

The Solidarity Movement TAB deplores this "indirect wall" formed by rocks and palm, which they clearly demonstrates that the end of the public beach was offered to a developer for a private business. Alerted by the citizens of TAB, the Beach Authority (BA) has summoned one of his officers on hand to make a statement on the situation. During this site visit on Friday afternoon in the presence of Jacky Alexander, vice president and spokesperson of Solidarity Movement members of TAB, an officer of the Beach Authority has tried to minimize the damage caused claiming that they were by rain. But for locals, there is a degradation of the environment caused by the work done without prior study and not taking into account the natural landscapes of beaches.

Of desolation

The collapse of coconut palms and obvious erosion of this piece of beach, as evidenced by these rocks imported off-site and scattered on the beach front of the hotel Casuarina public after the recent rains, confirm fears expressed a few weeks ago by Weekend. This beautification project (?) Or development of the private beach permitted by the Beach Authority has granted a license to Richard Paulose to develop its business has turned into a disaster. One thing you can see firsthand the extent of erosion primarily on that portion of the beach and uprooted trees. This beach, very frequented by tourists and Mauritians offer a few days ago a scene of desolation. And the impact on the environment are important.

While the inhabitants of TAB denounce the state of affairs and are concerned about the environmental degradation, the BA justify the massacre by advancing the damage was caused by downpours. But the Forces of the region will not budge and blame them work undertaken by the proponent for the project to beautify the public beach explaining that the same torrential rains have not damaged the nearby beaches of the region. Jacky Alexander says "install a structure on sand inevitably causes an acceleration of erosion. Downpours during the past week have only accelerated the inevitable process." He emphasized that "we warned the disaster because these works are very unprofessional and unacceptable, especially as the sand which has been returned and moved rocks and placed in the beach sand is supposed to hold have accelerated erosion. " Moreover, in addition to ecological damage, the structure with stacked stones, represents a real danger, in this case for children who come to the beach, residents complain TAB. "Anyone can slip and fall on the stones and land easily in the hospital," they were indignant.

For Kauppaymuthoo Vassen, oceanographer and engineer Environment "damage on the beach are not only the result of the climate problem but also a problem of maintenance of infrastructure, namely barriers to the flow of water as drains clogged due to the negligence of the authorities to maintain state infrastructure or new facilities were substandard. " He points out that "building near a stretch of water or streams involves consideration of hydrological parameters, without which there can be serious consequences." While rising raw water is a natural phenomenon and chronic block waterways with structures can only have the opposite effect, he said. Such projects near water areas involve risks, because by piling stones to prevent erosion, it may instead increase the risk of erosion when the water returns to its place, says Vassen Kauppaymuthoo.

If a beautification project is commendable for the beauty of the beach is that as private shows some taking control of a portion of the public beach. This is contrary to the laws. "In principle, when it comes to beautification project, it involves a hotel wants to grab a piece of the beach. This is a way of privatizing part of the beach. Should therefore ensure that there are no restrictions and public access remains, "said Vassen Kauppaymuthoo.

Not on the public beach

For the inhabitants of the region, which provide not be opposed to what Richard Paulose has a business, it is unacceptable that it is installed on the public beach so that his trade to become a private space. "What would happen if each of us a beautification project and the Beach Authority gives us a permit. The beach is invaded, as is the case with the sun," they say. Even though the space devoted to public shrinks every day. And cast doubt on a license that was granted to Richard Paulose for his business. Depending on the Beach Authority, Richard Paulose has a Trader's license and a Hawker's Licence for the sale of sorbet, ice and soft drinks, as well as a possible embellishment. However, his first two licenses does not, however, give him the right to build on the public beach. These permits require a Hawker working from a mobile rather than fixed structure. Paradoxically, in addition to coconut and palm trees and rocks installed against all common sense, it is obvious that the connection of the CWA and the CEB, as we were out in a previous edition, this trade is not fixed. Hence the anger of local residents who deplore the privatization of the beach. These also disapproved behavior village councilors, who disassociated themselves from the case because they believe the beach is not found in Trou aux Biches. According to residents of TAB, palm trees planted around the site which should be trade Paulose Richard acts as an "indirect wall", dividing the beach, creating a semi-private on a public beach.

Through a letter to the BA, the Forces Vives TAB have identified priorities for the rehabilitation of the beach and provide adequate infrastructural facilities such as benches and public toilets, that while preserving its natural character and exotic. They also claim that the wall is located at the entrance to the beach is removed to blur this private aspect. The "site visit" last Friday was an opportunity for the agent to inform the BA proposals which have been approved by the authorities. However, they had no news about their demand for license revocation Richard Paulose. These people hope to get clarification on this soon. Otherwise, they are taking firm action. "We will await the decision of the authorities before going forward. This project, as is, with a bit of beach offered a promoter is unacceptable. If necessary we will demonstrate," announces Jacky Alexander.