The Indian Ocean Real Estate Company Limited (IOREC) is embarking on an ambitious project for an Integrated Village at Haute-Rive, Roches-Noires. Promoters met the villagers to give them details about the project.
Arguments put forward by Project Manager Hugues Lagesse seemed to have won the support of the villagers, who are sure the project will be a boon.
“It is going to provide employment opportunities for many people of the region, and the coastal village will have new infrastructure. This will fulfill the needs of the people of the community,” said Taleb Yaroo, president of the village council.
“We have been informed this project will follow the model of the Caudan scheme. It will enable us to have direct access to the sea and to the different facilities which will be set up.
“For many years we have launched a campaign against those who have blocked access to public beaches,” he adds. “But this project does not hinder sea access at all.” According to Hugues Lagesse, the project will start in September. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
“Under this project, we will be building 200 houses on an area of 40 arpents,” he explains. “The concept is a totally new approach to the standard of life in Mauritius, with the creation of a new community, where Mauritians, foreigners, real estate owners, all will stay together.”
He adds that around 400 to 500 people will benefit from employment with priority being given to people of the region. Very Soon, those people who will be recruited to work will receive training.”
Areas will be reserved for the people of the region where they can sell vegetables, handicraft items etc. Mr Lagesse says the project will not cause any undue upheaval to the environment at Roches-Noires.
“Under no circumstances is the small fisherman who sells his fish on makeshift stalls going to disappear,” he says, adding that IOREC will see to it that the environment at Haute-Rive is protected and all regulations are followed.
The project manager adds that he is satisfied that the was has been successful. After this first meeting, IOREC has decided to sponsor a regata and a universal prayer. Different proposals are being studied on how to help the villagers, especially unemployed women, improve their living conditions.
By Rakshita Ramessur