[Port Louis – Carbon Dioxide – Health Hazard]

Debate No. 11 of 10.08.10

PORT LOUIS - CARBON DIOXIDE - HEALTH HAZARD

(No. 1B/462) Dr S. Boolell (Second Member for Curepipe & Midlands) asked the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development whether, in regard to Port Louis, he will state if the level of carbon dioxide and other pollutants are being monitored, in view of the increase in traffic and industrial activities, indicating, if this level represents a health hazard and, if so, state the remedial measures that are being taken.

Mr Virahsawmy: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the National Environmental Laboratory (NEL) of my Ministry is undertaking the monitoring of different types of pollutants level arising from traffic and industrial activities around the island including Port Louis.

For this purpose, the laboratory is making use of two mobile ambient air monitoring equipment, namely -

(i)      a particulate matter analyzer for measuring particulate matters and total suspended particles, and

(ii)      a gaseous analyzer for measuring sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide.

Results of the last monitoring exercise carried out in December 2009 at Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site showed that the different pollutant levels were well within prescribed limits. Procedures are underway for the purchase of an additional ambient air monitoring equipment to increase the frequency of monitoring exercises around Mauritius including Port Louis.

Carbon dioxide emissions for the whole of Mauritius are calculated on an annual basis especially for reporting on climate change. The emissions occur mainly from fuel combustions in power plants, manufacturing industries and vehicles.  In 2009, some 3.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted.  The carbon dioxide emission per capita for 2009 is around 2.6 tonnes.  This is insignificant compared to emissions per capita for developed countries like the USA with 19.2 tonnes and Australia with 18 tonnes.

Although the air quality is generally good, we are aware of the inconveniences caused by emissions from industries and vehicles.  Therefore, the following measures are being taken to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions -

·        introduction of better fuel quality as from the end of this month, i.e. reduction of sulphur content in diesel from 2500 parts per million to 500 ppm, and

·        implementation of the Ring Road and Terre Rouge-Verdun-Trianon link road which will be operational by 2015 will render the traffic more fluid in Port Louis.

Furthermore, I am personally chairing a Committee comprising all relevant stakeholders with a view to controlling vehicular emissions.  In fact, we have agreed that there is a need to reinforce capacity of the Police both in terms of equipment and training to enforce the Road Traffic (Control of Vehicular Emissions Regulation).  In this respect tenders will be launched soon for the purchase of 10 smoke metres and other equipment by my Ministry to be handed over to the Police and the National Transport Authority.

I would also like to inform the House that my Ministry is working on the development of an Integrated Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Framework (IAAQMF) which will include the setting up of an Air Quality Index (AQI) for priority areas such as Port Louis. Consultants from the European Union (EU) are presently working on the design of the framework including a 5-year strategic plan for its implementation.

Dr. S. Boolell: Would the hon. Minister be able to introduce an air quality index or air quality rating not only in Port Louis, but almost all over the island, where the risks are high and publish, on a daily or weekly basis, a colour scheme of alert like it is done in most States, ranging from green to maroon for people not to have any outdoor activities and who are at risk?

Mr Virahsawmy: Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we shall ask the consultant to have a look at it.

Mr Bhagwan: One of the main problems about the véhicules fumigènes concerns the Vehicle Examination Centres of the National Transport Authority. As far as we all know, the Police, the Environment Officer serve the PF form, we all know Mauritius and how things are done there. I am not blaming the Minister of Public Infrastructure, but there is need to reinforce action at the level of the Vehicle Traffic Centre because when these vehicles go there for checkup, they enter with fumes and they get out with a certificate.

Mr Virahsawmy: Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the NTA is a part of the high-level committee which we have and I understand from my colleague that it is being privatised also.

Dr. S. Boolell: Is the hon. Minister aware of the degree of fumes in the Forest Side area emanating from some of the spinning mills in the area which causes almost a black soot to be deposited in most buildings?

Mr Virahsawmy: I am not aware, but I will ask my officers to check that.

The Deputy Speaker: Time is over!

Keywords: level of carbon dioxide, air monitoring, particulate matter