Flood mitigation works underway at two high-risk sites

The Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, carried out site visits, yesterday at Commerson Street in Curepipe and Morcellement Domah at 16e Mille, where drainage works are being undertaken to address flooding risks and enhance the safety of residents and buildings.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Tourism, Mr Christian Harold Richard Duval; the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Mr John Michaël Tzoun Sao Yeung Sik Yuen; as well as other personalities.

In a statement following the visits, Minister Gunness highlighted that, at Commerson Street, the natural drainage path crossing the street is prone to overtopping during every heavy downpour thus causing water accumulation and erosion of the surrounding soil strata. This, he pointed out, is affecting the adjoining buildings, including a shivala, which is located next to the natural drain and is prone to structural cracks.

The works at Commerson Street, to the tune of some Rs 4.8 million, consist of: the construction of a reinforced concrete drain of 1.5 metres wide and 2 metres deep, with raised wall together with chain-link fencing of 1.5 metres high on one side over a stretch of approximately 24 metres; the replacement of the existing handrail; and the cleaning of the natural drain. Works are expected to be completed by mid-November 2026.

As for Morcellement Domah, Minister Gunness observed that it has been declared as a high-risk flood Prone Area by the Land Drainage Authority. Persistent rainfall frequently causes recurrent flooding in the area, resulting in damage to residents’ personal belongings and posing potential risks to human life, he underlined.

The project, to the tune of Rs 68.9 million, comprises the construction of a reinforced concrete cut off drain of 1.5 to 4 metres wide and 1.5 to 4.5 metres in depth, with chain-link fencing of 1.5 metres high over a stretch of 650 metres; the construction of three reinforced concrete culverts of 4 to 6 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep across the track roads; the dredging and widening of the natural drainage path to 5 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep over a stretch of 270 metres; and the construction of new 3.5 metre-wide track road over a stretch of 950 metres, amongst others. Works are expected to be completed in August 2027.

According to Minister Gunness, the implementation of these projects is geared towards enhancing the protection of the population and their property during heavy rainfall. He reaffirmed that, despite the prevailing economic challenges, Government remains committed to investing in essential infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.

20 August 2026

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Topics: Infrastructure