1. Cabinet has decided on the construction of a link road between Gros Bois and l"Escalier, originating from the Nouvelle France – Plaine Magnien Trunk road. The project is estimated to cost Rs 60M. This link road will greatly help the inhabitants of the regions of Savannah, La Sourdine, La Baraque and L’Escalier who at present have to travel through Plaine Magnien on their way to Curepipe.
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2. Cabinet has taken note that the Minister of Arts and Culture will sign a cultural exchange programme between the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius for the years 1999-2000. The signature ceremony will be held in Mauritius next month.
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3. Cabinet has been apprised of the outcome of a visit in Mauritius by Japanese businessmen representing leading Corporations, who have had discussions last week on investments opportunities in Mauritius. The Japanese delegation also visited Rodrigues and have expressed their interest to participate in the infrastructure development of the country.
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4. Cabinet has agreed to the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research granting a school holiday to all teaching and non-teaching staff of primary and secondary institutions on Tuesday, 5 October, 1999, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.
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5. Cabinet has agreed to the re-organisation of the Tea Board and the re-deployment of its surplus employees within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Technology and Natural Resources
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6. Cabinet has discussed problems arising as a result of underinvestments to improve the sewerage sector over the years. In that context, feasibility and technical studies are being undertaken regarding certain specific sewerage projects. In respect of the Montagne Jacquot sewerage project, an alternative technical option is also being considered.
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7. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius signing and becoming a Party to the African Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). Under this Agreement Mauritius as a contracting party will have to take general measures to conserve migratory waterbirds and in that respect will also benefit from expert services for the development of the Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary. The Agreement covers some 170 species of migratory waterbirds to be protected.
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8. Cabinet has been apprised of the outcome of the 6th Special ACP Ministerial Conference on sugar which was held in Swaziland from 13 to 17 September and which was presided by Dr the Hon. A. Boolell in his capacity as the ACP Ministerial spokesman on sugar. During the Conference it has been agreed that a comprehensive action plan will be developed, outlining the policies, strategies and responsible bodies for implementation, with a view to face the challenges facing the ACP Sugar Industries.
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9. Cabinet has agreed to Mauritius adhering to the Convention for the protection, management and development of the marine and coastal environment of the Eastern African Region and its Protocols.
The Convention provides for Parties to prevent, reduce and combat marine pollution and ensure sound environmental management of natural resources.
Cabinet has also agreed to the holding of a second meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention in Mauritius from 1 to 3 November, 1999.
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10. Cabinet has been apprised of a proposal by the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) to host an International Meeting and Conference of the Association of Commonwealth Examination and Accreditation Bodies (ACEAB) in September 2000.
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