One step forward, two steps backward

On the 14th of January, the Government decided to refuse permission to CT Power to build a coal-fired power station in the west of the island. However, just three days later, while local environmentalists were still celebrating, the Minister of Trade and Industry announced to the world that the Government wants to build an oil refinery in the south of the island and have it operating by 2015.

The reasons he gave are as follows: it would diversify Mauritius’ economic base, it would reduce the price of petrol and diesel on the local market, if Singapore can do it – so can we.

Update: Flat Island

At the end of July 2010 we sent a letter to the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security detailing our concerns about breaches of the contract for Flat Island as highlighted by the Director of Audit (details here).

At the end of September we produced the video above to raise awareness about the condition of the island.

Today we have received a letter from the said Ministry which states the following:

You may wish to note that in view of the complexity of this issue, consultations are still being held with the stakeholders involved to find a solution to this problem.

A further communication will be addressed to you in due course.

Will the New Year bring new hope for our environment?