Expansion Port: Fishermen Are Resisting!

Rama Valayden me ask the MPA to finalize an agreement with fishermen before starting the expansion workThe Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA ) is scheduled to start this year of the expansion in the port , including, among others , the expansion of the container quay .
To do this, the construction of a barrier and the deepening of docks up to 16.5 meters are needed. But local fishermen oppose such work because they believe it will have a negative impact on their business. Last week, they were opposed to the start of work in Fort William and machinery had to turn around .In early August, the MPA has organized a meeting with fishermen in the region of Port Louis to discuss the work that must take place for the expansion of the port.
They were invited to propose solutions to the problems raised and have a negative impact on their business.On September 4 , through his lawyer , Mr. Rama Valayden , the Fishermen's Union has submitted a series of proposals to the MPA . It falls among others, the creation of three funds for a monthly allowance of Rs 8,000 to each registered angler to help tertiary education of children of fishermen and to help fishermen to acquire semi- industrial vessels to fish on the high seasA series of proposals for the protection of the environment, the employment of children of fishermen in the port and compensation are also in a draft document prepared by Mr. Rama Valayden .
It also asked the MPA not start work until a signed agreement has not been reached with the fishermen.Last week, the establishment of the first terminals to define the construction of a barrier in Fort William has led to an altercation between the two parties. Fishermen met there argue that indicated their place serves as an anchor for many years . "Where do we put our canoes now? We want to fill the sea containers. Saline pe net over, " says Reza Soobratty and Read Surfally .This shows that more and more fishermen are forced to make way for development . " We have already made ??it clear that our canoes will hinder the work ," says Devanand Jootun .Judex Rampaul , president of the Union of Fishermen said , he worried about the impact these environmental work . "We will do an extension of 560 square meters. We want to build a wall , we will do the dredging work ... these will certainly affect the environment. "At MPA , we avoid comment on the case because the dispute has taken a legal dimension.
Proposals submitted by Mr. Rama Valayden are currently under review at the State Law Office.This approach fishermen came upset the plans of the MPA . It should engage in social facilitator to monitor the fishermen , after the first meeting in August. She also felt that they made ??the first move for the sake of dialogue , inviting fishermen to the discussion table .
In a statement issued recently , the MPA also said that the work will be "within harbor limits , Where no fishing is allowed According to règlements made ??under the Ports Act 1998 ."