Debate No. 10 of 30.05.2006
Kyoto Protocol - Measures Taken

(No. B/640) Mr M. Dowarkasing (Third Member for Curepipe and Midlands) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he will state when Mauritius became a party to the Kyoto Protocol, indicating the measures that have been taken since then.

Mr Bachoo: Sir, Mauritius acceded to the Kyoto Protocol on 09 May 2001. However the Kyoto Protocol became operational only as from 16 February 2005.

Mauritius as a developing country has no commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions under the Protocol which provides only for developed countries to do so.

However, as a small island developing state, Mauritius is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, global warming and sea level rise. In this context, mitigative and adaptation measures which are in line with the protocol objectives are being taken such as -

Coastal production works, mangrove propagation programme, monitoring and protection of coral reefs

For example: Coastal protection works -

Flic en Flac: beach fill and dunal restoration is being proposed over 600 metres of coast from Pearle Beach towards the limekiln;

Rivière des Galets: a sloping rock revetment is being proposed over the existing gabions to provide for long-term effective production;

Petit Sable, Bambous Virieux and Grand Sable: a sloping rock revetment and some refurbishment works (lighting, walkways, parking) are being implemented;

Roches Noires: The ex sand landing place at Roches Noires has been partly rehabilitated;

Belle Mare: the restoration of the dune and the beach will be undertaken shortly to remedy the erosion problem. Provision of parking spaces is also being made.

Mangrove propagation has been undertaken on the east coast mostly, for example, at Quatre Soeurs, Bambous Virieux and Petit Sable.

Monitoring of coral reefs is being undertaken on a regular basis at 12 sites around the island, for example, Trou aux Biches, Pointe aux Sables, Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce, Ile aux Bénitiers, Bel Ombre, Poudre d'Or amongst others.

Sensitisation and promotion of the use of solar water heaters through provision of soft loan by DBM up to a ceiling of Rs25,000 at 6% interest rate for the purchase of solar water heater for private households.

In a view to promoting energy conservation and efficiency the Government of Mauritius, in collaboration with the UNDP/GEF, has prepared a Medium Sized Project proposal on "Removal of Barriers to Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation in Buildings in Mauritius." The financing being applied from GEF is to the tune of US$ 975,000. The contribution of the Government of Mauritius will amount to US$975,000 both in cash and in-kind

Encouraging vehicle owners to shift from the use of petrol to liquefied petrol gas (LPG) through the provision of soft loan by DBM up to a ceiling of Rs16,000 for purchase of retrofitting kit.
Promotion of the production of energy through renewable sources. In fact a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with India to this effect.

The Second National Communication which is a document to be submitted as part of our obligation under UNFCCC is presently under preparation. Apart from providing an inventory for greenhouse gas emission, it will also identify adaptation measures which will be submitted to funding agencies including the GEF and Adaptation Fund.

The Clean Development Mechanism Office of the Ministry is being revitalised, with a view to identifying and preparing potential CDM projects.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to highlight the relative complexity and high technicality of such projects. In this respect, technical assistance from international agencies or through bilateral co-operation is being sought for capacity building and to bring the process forward.

Mr Dowarkasing: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the commitment period is getting closer and closer, may I ask the hon. Minister whether, besides all these measures, Government has elaborated any specific plan that has to be submitted to be in line with the Kyoto Protocol?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have already adhered to the Kyoto Protocol. As I have just stated, we don’t have any specific commitment, but, despite this, we have already prepared all our documentation, which will be submitted very soon.

Mrs Martin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has mentioned several mitigative measures that have been implemented in Mauritius. Do these include as well the Outer Islands, such as Rodrigues and Agalega?

Mr Bachoo: These measures include Rodrigues as well as other islands.

Mr Ganoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Minister has talked about renewable energy. Indeed, the Protocol encourages the use of renewable energy, and the reduction of the use of fossil fuel. Accordingly, the countries that make use of renewable energy would be granted carbon credits. Since an important fraction of our energy mix is derived from bagasse, Mauritius is, therefore, entitled to carbon credits. Can I ask the hon. Minister whether we have already been granted any compensation for the use of bagasse, which is a source of renewable energy?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, this is a question that is directly linked with the Ministry of Public Utilities. But, despite this, one thing I can say is that, in the past, an attempt was made. For example, there was a proposal from the French Government, but, unfortunately, the matter was so complex that we could not go through. The case with the Belgium Government, which came forward, was similar and through which we could not go. Now, they are trying to simplify the matter, and I do hope that in the months to come we can start thinking in terms of making applications for any type of concession that we can get.

Mr Bhagwan: Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to the climate change Action Plan, followed by the PMO, especially by the Meteorological Services, can we know from the hon. Minister whether this is being updated and if there is any follow-up by the Ministry of Environment?

Mr Bachoo: The answer is in the positive, Mr Speaker, Sir. In fact, it has been updated, and we are definitely following all the decisions which were taken as well as the recommendations that are made to us.

Mr Cuttaree: Mr Speaker, Sir, since the Minister himself said at the start of his answer that being given we are a developing country, we have no commitments as regards the measures. My hon. friend has just suggested to him to study this issue of the carbon credit. But, first, he should find out what it is and second, in what way we can benefit from this.

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have just mentioned, it is a complicated issue, in particular the Adaptation Fund. In the beginning, it was very difficult for us to know, but now things are getting clearer. As the Minister of Finance himself is saying, now we are submitting our proposals.

Mr Bhagwan: Mr Speaker, Sir, can I know from the hon. Minister whether Mauritius was present at the last conference of parties and whether we represented the SIDS and made our voice heard?

Mr Bachoo: Yes, of course, we were present at the Montreal meeting. We represented the SIDS group. I was the representative of the SIDS group and intervened on behalf of them.

Mr Dowarkasing: Mr Speaker, Sir, despite the fact that we are not directly involved, may I know from the hon. Minister whether a study has been carried out, at least for us to know about the greenhouse gas emission in the country?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, in fact, a committee is working on that, and we have not yet come to any conclusion. As I just said, it is a very complex issue. There are many technical issues, and that’s why I stated in my reply that we are also trying to seek the support of technicians from international agencies.

Mr Bhagwan: We all know the problem of beach erosion, which is linked to the climate change effect. Can we know from the hon. Minister whether he has made a loud plea with his colleague, the Minister of Finance, to have the necessary funds, especially for the region of Flic en Flac, where there is a serious problem of beach erosion?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have already overspent by Rs407 m. I have made a request of Rs70 m. for the reinstatement of the Flic en Flac beach.

Mr Cuttaree: Mr Speaker, Sir, while talking about the fight against erosion, the hon. Minister made reference to what he has been doing in the East. Can I ask him, after the next Budget is voted, to forget a little bit about the East and to look also at the West?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have just mentioned that Rs70 m. have been earmarked for the upgrading of Flic en Flac beach, and as far as Belle Mare is concerned, it is only Rs5 m.

Mr Dayal: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the hon. Minister state to the House what is the progress achieved in the elimination of CFC?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, we have started a thorough campaign, and we are trying to sensitise all the people who utilise this gas. That’s what we have done so far.

Keywords: Kyoto Protocol, greenhouse gas emission, climate change, global warming, sea level rise, monitoring, coral reef, coastal works, sand dune, beach erosion, mangrove, sensitization, UNFCCC, Rodrigues, outer islands, SIDS

Deb. No. 22 of 27.06.2006
Richfield Textiles Ltd. - Pollution

(No. B/840) Mrs B. Juggoo (First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit whether he is aware of the pollution problems at Le Hochet, Terre Rouge, especially at the Richfield Textiles Ltd. and, if so, will he state the remedial measures that will be taken.

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been informed of pollution problems caused by Richfield Textile Ltd. and remedial measures are being taken as follows –

Noise pollution – following a programme Notice issued to Richfield Textile Ltd. in October 2005, the factory has relocated part of its noisy activities further away from the residential area. Noise survey carried out by my Ministry on 10 May 2006 has indicated a noise level which is within standard. No more complaints in this respect have since been registered at my Ministry.

Odour – following intervention of my Ministry, the factory has confirmed that it is having recourse to the services of a consultancy firm to recommend on odour abatement measures;

Black smoke/air pollution – upon request by my Ministry, the factory is presently carrying out stack monitoring emission with the assistance of the University of Mauritius. In addition, my Ministry is carrying out an ambient air monitoring exercise, which has started on 14 June 2006 and will last up to 13 July 2006.

The results obtained will be analysed and in the light of the findings, a decision will be taken as regard the future course of action.

I wish to inform the House that the preliminary results of the air monitoring exercise has shown that all parameters, such as the level of dust, sulphur, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone are within ambient air quality guidelines.

The situation is being monitored closely.

Mrs Juggoo: Can the Minister tell the House whether, in December 2001, the Ministry of Health had taken some tests and what was the feedback?

Mr Bachoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, I need notice of this question.

Keywords: pollution, noise, odour, air pollution, black smoke, monitoring, air quality

Debate No. 23 of 04.07.2006
Dr. Jeetoo Hospital - Incinerator

(No. B/910) Mr R. Issack (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Environment & National Development Unit whether he is aware that the incinerator situated in the backyard of the Dr. Jeetoo Hospital is a source of noise and air pollution affecting the neighbours thereof and, if so, the remedial measures he proposes to take.

The Minister of Health and Quality of Life (Mr S. Faugoo): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission I shall reply to this question.

I am informed that an incinerator Make AT1 Muller, Model HP 500, was installed and commissioned at Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital on 02 October 2003 by Edison Services Ltd. The incinerator is operated by two hospital attendants during weekdays and Saturdays from 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs. An average of 100 bags of 10 kg of clinical wastes are being incinerated everyday.

I am also informed that since 2003 several complaints have been received from residents in the vicinity of Dr. Jeetoo Hospital regarding noise and smoke emanating from the incinerator. In the light of the complaints received, several remedial measures have been taken. A noise survey that was carried out by the Environmental Health Engineering Unit of my Ministry on 13 April 2006 and a last one that was carried out on 03 July 2006, that is, yesterday, following the question asked by the Member, has revealed that the noise level recorded on the premises of the nearest inhabitants was within the permissible limit prescribed under the Environment Protection Act. At hospital level, all measures are being taken to ensure that no nuisance is caused to the neighbours, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Mr Issack: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, what is considered as the permissible limit is not, in fact, so, because there are some people over there who are sick, there is also an old lady there. Is there any possibility for the incinerator to be transferred elsewhere?

Mr Faugoo: This has to be considered in the light of all the circumstances prevailing, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Mr Lesjongard: With regard to gas emission, may I ask the hon. Minister, what are the norms in practice? The hon. Minister has mentioned the permissible limit about noise.

Mr Faugoo: I do not have the details in my file, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. If a substantive question is put to me, I will come back with the information.

The Deputy Speaker: Next question, hon. Issack.

Keywords : noise pollution, air pollution, clinical wastes, noise survey, incinerator, hospital

Debate No. 34 of 21.11.2006
Vehicles - Smoke Emissions

(No. B/1453) Mr Y. Varma (First Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Environment & National Development Unit whether he is aware that many vehicles, including lorries and buses, emit large quantities of smoke while running on the roads and, if so, will he state the remedial measures that will be taken, if any.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & Shipping (Dr. R. Beebeejaun): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission I shall reply to this question.
Smoke emissions, especially from lorries and buses on our roads are indeed a matter of serious concern.

Since October 2005, I have requested the National Transport Authority to ensure that every goods vehicle over 2,500 kgs or every bus, which calls for fitness examination, undergoes a smoke emission test through a heavy duty smoke meter. An average of 80 such vehicles is tested and examined on a daily basis.

Both the officers of the National Transport Authority and the Police de l’Environnement are carrying out road-side checks to detect excessive smoke emissions from vehicles and since January 2006, 425 road-side smoke notices have been issues, requiring owners to produce their vehicles for smoke testing at the Vehicle Examination Centres.

The Road Traffic (Control of Vehicle Emissions) Regulations prescribe standards for exhaust emissions for different classes of motor vehicles. They also make it mandatory for owners of a fleet of 10 motor vehicles or more to operate and maintain equipment for carrying out smoke emission tests in their garage with trained personnel.

I have since last month constituted a Technical Committee comprising officers of my Ministry, the National Transport Authority, the Ministry of Environment and National Development Unit and the University of Mauritius to make an assessment of smoke emission from motor vehicles and to make recommendations for concerted and more effective control measures. The Committee has met on five occasions and its report is awaited.

Mr Bérenger: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the hon. Deputy Prime Minister has made reference only to lorries and buses that emit smoke on the roads. As the saying goes “charité bien ordonnée commence par soi même”, has the hon. Deputy Prime Minister been a witness – I have been on quite a number of occasions – of smoke being emitted by Police vehicles themselves?

The Deputy Prime Minister: This is quite factual. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, concerning smoke emission, we have just started, we are a long way behind and we’ve got a lot to do to improve the situation. I go along with any suggestion, because it is unacceptable the way that emissions are being uncontrolled at the moment.

Mr Bhagwan: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, PF forms are issued by the Police de l’Environnement and officers of the Police to drivers of vehicles for smoke emission on the road. I speak from experience. Everybody knows what has been happening over the years under several Governments at both Forest Side and Plaine Lauzun Centres. Can the Deputy Prime Minister see to it that there is an audit at the level of the NTA to ensure that people who are summoned to attend the Fitness Centres are not given clearance by giving Rs50 or Rs100 as “di thé”?

The Deputy Prime Minister: I am not sure about the price. I take the hon. Member’s word for it. There are two parts to this answer. The first point is the way that tests are being carried out and we all know that if you have a lorry full going uphill, it will emit smoke. If you have it on the level at the NTA, you’ll have different results. Secondly, I am not happy with the performance of the vehicle Examination Centre. When I come to the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, I’ll make some comments on that.

Mr Gunness: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I was going to take my point when the Bill will be debated, but my information is that the smoke emission apparatus is not being used at the Vehicle Examination Centre. Can the Deputy Prime Minister check it?

The Deputy Prime Minister: I quite agree with you. There have been conflicting results between the two or three different apparatuses that were purchased over the years and I am trying to put some order in it.

Key words: smoke emission, air pollution, vehicles, Road Traffic (Control of Vehicle Emissions) Regulations