Science for effective decision-making; science for concrete and effective results
Text:The price of fuel: are we being fleeced? The price of gasoline rose from Rs 38.85 to Rs 42.70 per litre and that of diesel from Rs 29.50 at Rs 32.45 per litre. (Le Défi Media Group 2017)
Just taking a small example from an official of Government who in India achieved she states ‘ a great success’, in that ‘in future we(Mauritius) could pay for petrol in Indian Rupees(Printed Press and MBC August 2025)
Comments: In a not-so-distant future: what about Gazoline at RsRs 380 to Rs 420 per litre, and then, in any case, unavailable?
The science is clear on this subject of fossil fuel and renewable energy. Petrol a non-renewable resource is finishing, soon prices will go up and then petrol likely to become unavailable to import, especially for small, isolated islands like Mauritius, Fiji and others.
So the decision-making has to aim at reducing dependence on fossil fuels(which will be our contribution to fight climate change), electrify vehicles, remodel urbanisation so that people work, live, travel, recreate in the same neighbourhood(travelling by foot of cycle if need be), electric public transport(tram which we have but needs extension to cover the island), and above all renewable energy only (SUN, WIND, BIOMASS, HYDRO) for all domains, for all industries for all transport for all habitats. Then we will survive beautifully, even become an example for other island states and other countries who would not have done so.
Similarly for food security (we import 100% of all the flour and all the rice ewe eat!!!!) WHEN NO CARGO AVAILABE, NO SUPPLY FOR SALE, what do we do? Do you remember India 10 years ago for a short period forbid export of rice and cereal as there was NOT enough for their local consumption, etc? Which makes us conclude at the importance for GOVERNMENT to including and closely consulting top scientists (which we have in Mauritius) on ALL fields.
Finally, allow us to quickly define these major fields (a clearly incomplete list here) for which Government/Ministries MUST consult the best available scientific data before planning, deciding, setting up strategies, projects:
* Energy, renewable energy with lasting equipment or manufactured/ assembled locally, hence total energy self-sufficiency,
* Agriculture and food security/self-sufficiently, using both traditional methods and modern hydroponics etc.
* Precautions/fighting equipment and trained personnel, redesign, or modified habitats, buildings, transport, etc. to survive fully and adapt to tsunamis, intense cyclones, very hot weather, very cold weather, extensive floods, fires, earthquakes and other catastrophic effects of climate change.
Absolute need for strong institutions
No country can prosper without the proper functioning of its institutions. This is a sine qua non for our country too.
Since Independence, Mauritius has set up several institutions in almost all spheres of activity. Many have performed well over the years and can be categorised as strong institutions. However, there are some which have dragged behind for different reasons and have constituted a burden for public funds.
These days, three institutions, namely the Bank of Mauritius, the State Bank and Air Mauritius have been the subject of adverse criticism from different quarters in the newspapers, social media and in the political circle. What happens when former robust institutions start to decline and are unable to deliver as expected? Where the government is in charge or where it is the majority shareholder, it is its responsibility to urgently appraise the situation, identify the problem areas and shortcomings and apply a range of remedial measures which may include the revamping of the Board and the replacement of senior staff.
The government is a key player in ensuring that all institutions perform to the optimum by nominating strong, highly qualified and highly experienced leaders at the head. Such persons should have a clear vision and an iron determination to translate the goals of the organisation into reality.
In the case of the Bank of Mauritius, the Prime Minister intervened by asking the Second Deputy Governor to resign .That brought some relief , but clearly, more serious work will have to be done to redefine the role and responsibilities of the institution in the light of good governance norms. It is high time for the government to take the bull by its horns and take decisive measures to clean all our institutions.
Democracy Watch has always upheld the merits of good governance and hopes that the Prime Minister will give a strong signal to that effect.
DWM Team
