Public Beach Access: Government sets compliance period for removal of illegal structures

A site visit was conducted, yesterday, from Pointe d’Esny to Blue Bay to assess the access to public beaches and examine issues relating to the use and occupation of the public domain.

The visit was led by the Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, in the presence of the Minister of Local Government, Mr Ranjiv Woochit, and the Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Gilbert Tony Apollon. They were accompanied by representatives of the Ministry of Local Government, the Beach Authority, the District Council, the Mauritius Police Force, the Special Mobile Force, the Special Support Unit, the National Coast Guard, elected representatives of the locality, and officers of the Ministry of Housing and Lands.

During the visit, Minister Mohamed also had the opportunity to interact with several villa owners and residents and hear their views on the use of the coastal area. He stressed the need to strike a fair balance between the rights of property owners and the public’s right to access the beach. He explained that renting or occupying a villa does not confer ownership of the adjoining public domain. The high-water mark and the authorised building line serve as important reference points in determining the limits within which private property may be used and where the public domain lies.

According to him, while owners or tenants may use their property in accordance with the law, they cannot extend their occupation beyond the authorised limits into the public domain, erect permanent structures, put up signs suggesting that the beach is private or obstruct public passage.

The visit also identified instances where plants and other obstacles had been placed in a manner that effectively restricted access. In some cases, wooden gates had even been erected to enclose entire areas in front of houses, creating the impression that portions of the public domain were private. Such installations are not permitted. The Minister reiterated that no public beach is private and that the public domain must remain accessible to all.

At the same time, Minister Mohamed stressed that public access comes with responsibilities. The visit highlighted instances of littering, unauthorised campfires, tents and vehicles on the beach, as well as excessive noise from large speakers and sound systems.

He clarified that the objective is not to prevent people from enjoying the beach or engaging in cultural and recreational activities, including playing local music or traditional instruments, but such activities must not create excessive noise, disturb other beach users or lead to conflicts. He called on the public to dispose of waste responsibly, respect the environment and other beach users, and comply with the applicable regulations. The Minister stressed that Mauritius’ coastline is a shared national resource adding that its protection requires the responsibility and cooperation of everyone.

Moreover, the Minister indicated that concerned villa owners and other parties would be given a period of between seven and 15 days to remove structures, plants, signs, gates, barriers or other obstacles that have been erected in the public domain or that obstruct public access. The approach will initially be based on dialogue and cooperation, particularly as many of those encountered during the visit demonstrated a willingness to work with the authorities. However, he made it clear that the notice must be respected.

In the event of non-compliance within the stipulated period, the authorities will take the necessary action and proceed with the removal of the structures or obstacles concerned, in accordance with the law. Further measures may also be considered, including the termination of leases where the relevant conditions or legal requirements are not respected. Consultations will also continue with villa and camp owners, NGOs, the Beach Authority, local authorities and other stakeholders to identify sustainable solutions.

Minister Mohamed emphasised that the issue should not be viewed as a conflict between villa owners and local residents, but rather as one of co-existence, mutual respect and shared responsibility. Those occupying or using private properties must respect the public domain, while members of the public must equally respect the environment, maintain cleanliness, avoid excessive noise and use beaches responsibly, he said. Follow-up action will be undertaken to monitor compliance, with the overall objective of ensuring that Mauritius’ beaches remain accessible, clean, peaceful and protected for present and future generations.

14 August 2026

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Topics: Environment