1.Cabinet has studied a proposal from the Minister of Land Transport, Shipping & Port Development for implementing a project for the alleviation of traffic congestion and parking problems in Port Louis. The objective is to provide whole day parking facilities on the outskirts of Port Louis with a view to allowing free flow of traffic within the city centre and the creation of "rue pietonnière".
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2.In the light of the persisting stray dog problems in the country, especially in prominent places like the airport, public beaches and hotel and restaurant surroundings, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources had in April this year solicited the assistance of two experts from the International Animal Rescue in U.K. to review and advise on the measures put in place by MSPCA. Upon the recommendations of the experts, Cabinet has decided that dog catching activities should be removed from the responsibility of the MSPCA and entrusted to a private body. The role of MSPCA would therefore be geared towards the catering of welfare of animals.
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3.Cabinet has considered a document entitled "National Strategy for Sustainable Development, 1999 - 2005 - into the Third Millenium" (NSSD) prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development, Productivity & Regional Development. It aims at operationalising the National Long-Term Perspective Study (Vision 2020) released in July 1997. The NSSD is built around key themes crucial for the country’s long term development with particular emphasis on reform of the policy, regulatory, legal and institutional framework and on creating conditions to further sharpen and enhance the country’s international competitiveness, raise business confidence and strengthen the rule of law. This document is designed to prepare Mauritius to cope better with challenges that are likely to arise in the 21st century and the Third Millenium.
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4.Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of mission undertaken by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Trade to the People’s Republic of China, from 23 to 27 August, 1999. One of the positive outcome has been the signature of an Agreement for the financing of a loan of about Rs300 million by the Chinese, at an interest rate of 4%, to be used for the construction of some 2,000 housing units. Cabinet has set up a Ministerial Committee to look into the early implementation of the housing project.
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5.Cabinet has been apprised that a new Community Health Centre at Beau Bassin to be named as "Odette Leal Community Health Centre" will be opened on 10 September, 1999. It was late Mrs. Odette Leal who personally proposed assistance for the construction of a new centre to replace the one which was damaged by fire during the social unrest in February this year. The project has materialised with the assistance from Mauritours which is affiliated to the Leal Group of Companies.
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6.As a follow up on the request for asylum from the six Congolese nationals, Cabinet has been apprised of a Report from the UNHCR regional office. Following a request from the Organisation, Cabinet has agreed to extend the delay of one month and to allow the Congolese to remain in Mauritius until admission to a third country is obtained.
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7.Cabinet has been apprised of the reconstitution of Wildlife and National Parks Advisory Council for period August 1999 to July 2000, with
Dr. Mrs. Monique Koenig as chairperson.