Neotown will be a reality very soon

After months of controversy, the Neotown promoter, Mr Rupen Patel of Patel Engineering, says enough has been said about the $1 billion project. It’s now time for action.

The world-class development at Les Saline in Port Louis will be a reality very soon, vowed Mr Patel yesterday during the Mauritius International Investment Forum organised by the Board of Investment.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, Neotown is expected to change the face of the western coastal side of Port Louis.

But the project was criticised by the main opposition party, the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM). Its leader Paul Berenger labelled the project a mega scandal after he alleged the government made “excessive” concessions to the promoters.

But Minister of Housing and Lands Abu Kasenally rejected all criticism from the MMM and labelled Mr Berenger’s remarks a “mega flop”.

The minister said that the authorities have respected all procedures in the Neotown lease agreement with Patel Engineering. Dr Kasenally also said that the project will attract some Rs16 billion in FDI.

“This is a once-in-a lifetime project. If you miss the boat you miss it. There will not be a second chance,” Dr Kasenally told NEWSNOW at the height of the controversy.

By Nilen Kattany