Hawkers from Monneron str will be relocated soon

Street hawkers operating at Monneron Street, opposite the LIC Building which houses the headquarters of the Indian High Commissioner, will be relocated soon.

In a few months, they will be shifted to a brand new building behing the Mauritius Post and Cooperative Bank (MPCB) near the Victoria bus terminal, Port Louis.

The Municipality of Port Louis has been able to find the necessary funding for the project estimated at Rs 30 million. The remaining budget allocation for 2010 and part of the bank deposit of the town hall will be used for the construction of the complex.

Hence, some 150 hawkers will be relocated, said lord mayor Mahmad Khodaboccus. He stressed that the Municipality of Port Louis will step up efforts to ensure the project is completed by mid-December.

“Our main concern was to find the necessary funds. We will now submit the draft proposal to the Ministry of Local Government and Outer Islands and hope that it will be endorsed in the shortest time possible. Then we can really take action and make a difference,” Khodaboccus said.

The presence of street hawkers near the building housing the Indian High Commission has often been debated at the National Assembly.

In reply to a question from MP Abdullah Hossen on June 14, minister of Local Government and Outer Islands Herve Aimee had said that two buildings, the first near Monneron street and the other at Barkly Street, will be built to solve the problem of hawkers.