Editorial

In recent times, after the anger around scores of villages drowning under Belal’s flood and river waters, not to mention the ludicrous call for work resumption on Monday last, numerous questions have been raised about the effectiveness of government actions under crisis conditions. Feeling the heat, the Ministry of Finance was rushed to the fore to announce a billion rupees of solidarity funds to be disbursed as effortlessly as possible. So much the better for those watching despairingly over their lost belongings and businesses and we won’t quibble.

But Mauritians from all walks of life have been intensely irritated, as angry as the PM, because nobody can claim this is a novel unexpected experience. A palpable sense of unease has settled over the political landscape, prompting a critical examination of the apparent breakdown in government effectiveness and crisis response. The recurring issues, particularly the persistent problem of flooding incidents, have raised concerns about the lack of in-depth analysis of root causes or worse, contracts awarded to a bunch of selected contractors with little or no supervision.

The recent events, notably the mishandling of the cyclone Belal and its aftermath, pose a significant risk of eroding public trust in the government’s ability to anticipate and effectively manage threats. The absence of an effective town and country planning programme further exacerbates the situation, leaving citizens to wonder why this crucial aspect has not been prioritized by successive governments.

One cannot overlook the fact that billions have been allocated in the government budget to address these issues. However, the lack of information about the coordination and collaboration among government departments to tackle these challenges raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s strategies. Is there a fundamental flaw in the way the government functions, or does the issue lie with the political leadership?

As we navigate the aftermath of the recent crises, it becomes evident that the risk of people losing trust in the effectiveness of government agencies is considerable. The ability to anticipate and deal with threats to public safety and property, such as providing accurate and timely weather forecasts and managing drainage systems, is paramount. The recent failures in these areas highlight the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the government’s strategies and capabilities.

In the context of these persistent problems, it is worth exploring whether solutions can only be found outside the country, through the involvement of external expertise. Bringing in fresh perspectives and innovative solutions might be a necessary step to break the cycle of repeated troubles that affect the local population.

Looking ahead, there is skepticism about the current government’s willingness to take decisive action to address the hindrances to effective, long-term solutions to the problems affecting the local population. The lack of vocal demand for better governance from the public also contributes to the stagnation in addressing these issues.

The complex web of challenges facing the government demands a thorough examination of its functioning, leadership, and responsiveness to crises. The recurrent issues, the lack of effective planning, and the absence of collaboration among government departments necessitate a re-evaluation of strategies. The reluctance of mainstream parties to address critical concerns further complicate the landscape. As the nation navigates these challenges, the crucial question remains: Can the government regain public trust and effectively address the persistent issues that continue to so adversely impact the lives of its citizens?

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 26 January 2024