THE DISTRICT COUNCI OF MOKA · 2020. 11. 17. · HISTORY AND PROFILE OF COUNCIL Moka is located on...

2019

ANNUAL REPORT

435-5531 [email protected] Royal Road Quartier Militaire

Royal Road Quartier Militaire

THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF MOKA

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

P A G E

History and Profile of Council

1

Vision/Mission/Purpose and Values

2 - 3

Composition of Council and Committees

4 - 17

Administration Department

18 - 33

Public Infrastructure Department

34 - 35

Land Use and Planning Department

36 – 39

Public Health Department

40 - 47

Welfare Department

48 – 58

Finance Department

59 - 61

Audit Report 2017 / 2018

62 - 70

Unaudited Financial Statements 2018/2019

71 - 86

List of Projects Completed in 2019

87 - 88

HISTORY AND PROFILE OF COUNCIL

Moka is located on the Central Plateau and is the only land-locked rural District in Mauritius

and the gateway to the East. It is surrounded by mountain reserves on its northern, western

and southern boundaries. The name of Moka can be traced back to the introduction of a

variety of coffee plants originating from the region of Moka in Arabia. The name Moka,

derived from the “Moch-a” coffee, was introduced and cultivated by the French in the first

years of their occupation of the Island. The cultivation of coffee in Moka was thereafter

abandoned in the first half of the 19th century.

The District of Moka consisting of 16 villages covers an area of 230.5 km2 and its population

is estimated to be about 82,000 inhabitants.

During the past few years, the region of Moka has seen some major residential, commercial

and educational developments such as Morcellement at Côte D’Or, Helvetia, Providence,

Residential Care at Gentilly, the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation and the Wellkin Hospital,

other private educational institutions like the Telfair Institute, the extension of the University of

Mauritius, Kendra Shopping Mall and the Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius.

With the construction of a Multi-Sports Complex at Côte D’Or comprising of swimming pool,

gymnasium, football ground, synthetic athletic track, and other amenities, all of international

standards and a new Market/Fair at Saint Pierre and the coming soon of the Moka Smart City,

Moka is becoming, the new attractive region of the island for a smart life.

Page 1

VISION/MISSION/PURPOSE AND VALUES

OUR IDENTITY

The District Council of Moka is a body corporate set up to administer the 16 Village Councils

situated within its administrative jurisdiction.

VISION

To be a Local Authority achieving excellence in whatever it undertakes whilst being a close

partner to all stakeholders.

MISSION

Ensure that all the statutory duties including the services are delivered in accordance with the

ever changing expectations of both the authorities and the local community.

CORE VALUES

Our corporate culture stands on core values which places the citizen at the centre of our

endeavours.

Those values are as follows:

EXCELLENCE We will do our best within our financial means and with the

human resources available to achieve excellence in our service

delivery.

EFFICIENCY We will strive to optimize our resources so that they are used in

an efficient manner in order to accomplish our statutory duties.

INTEGRITY We will act with integrity in all our dealings with our

Stakeholders and the public in general.

Page 2

COURTESY We will act with courtesy in our relationships with the citizens,

our employees, our suppliers and other stakeholders.

TEAMWORK We work as a team and believe that the citizens are part of the

network.

QUALITY

&

INNOVATION We will never stop improving the quality of our services and

endeavour to innovate so that the citizens are delighted with

them.

OUR OBJECTIVES

➢ Offer quality services

➢ Relate effectively and courteously with all the stakeholders

➢ Improve corporate image

➢ Achieve a balanced financial situation year-in; year out

➢ Attend to all complaints recorded through our Information and Service Centre or otherwise

and keep the complainants informed of the outcome

➢ Treat with fairness

➢ Show transparency in rules, procedures, schemes and grievances handling

➢ Eliminate any form of corruption

Page 3

COMPOSITION OF COUNCIL AND COMMITTEES

IN YEAR 2019

Under the Local Government Act 2011, The District Council of Moka has 16 Village

Councils under its jurisdiction. Each Village Council comprises of 9 Councillors elected

under the Representation of the People Act. Each Village Council has a representative at

the District Council of Moka, except Saint Pierre which has two representatives, all

elected amongst the Councillors according to the Section 13 of the Local Government Act

2011. The District Council is made up of 17 elected Councillors from different villages of

the District and every two years it elects a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson.

As regard under Section 45 of the Local Government Act 2011, the Council meets as often

as the business it receives and at least every fortnight in the Council Chamber for the

formulation of policies and examination of all matters pertaining to the administration of

the Districts falling under its purview. Council Meetings are presided by the Chairperson,

and in his absence by the Vice-Chairperson.

Page 4

THE DISTRICT COUNCL OF MOKA

The District Councillors holding Office in the Year 2019

Sn Name District Councillor Village Council

1

2

Mr. BUSAWON Vijaye

Mr SOONARANE, Mahess Kumar

(As from 19.09. 2019)

CHAIRPERSON

CHAIRPERSON

SAINT PIERRE

PROVIDENCE

3 Mr. RAMKHALAWON Chatan Anand VICE- CHAIRPERSON LA LAURA MALENGA

4 Mr. BALLOO Nundkoomar DISTRICT COUNCILLOR QUARTIER MILITAIRE

5 Mrs. BHURTUN Daveeyani DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ESPERANCE

6 Mr. FAJURALLY Abdool Raman DISTRICT COUNCILLOR NOUVELLE DECOUVERTE

7 Mr. GHOORAH Udaye Kumar DISTRICT COUNCILLOR RIPAILLES

8 Mr. GOLAM Chandra Dath DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MOKA

9 Mr. HEERAH Premadeen DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SAINT JULIEN D’HOTMAN

10 Mr. HEEROOA Ramnarain DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SAINT PIERRE

11 Mr. IMRITH Ajaysingh DISTRICT COUNCILLOR VERDUN

12 Mr. JHOTTY Iswarduth DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MELROSE

13 Mr. KOWLESSUR Rishi DISTRICT COUNCILLOR MONTAGNE BLANCHE

14 Mr. MANDHUB Yuganand DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DAGOTIERE

15 Mr. MOHUNGOO Asraf Ally DISTRICT COUNCILLOR L'AVENIR

16 Mr. RAMJEE Ravi DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DUBREUIL

17 Mr. SEEBURRUN Ashis Kumar DISTRICT COUNCILLOR CAMP THOREL

Page 5

COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR YEAR 2019

In pursuance of the Local Government Act 2011 and provisions made under the Standing

Orders the following Committees without delegated powers have been set up.

The meeting of Committees was held in most cases at least once each month.

▪ ADHOC REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE COMMITTEE

This Committee dealt mainly with the preparation of estimates, reviewing the Arrears

Monitoring Committee and the preparation of Financial Regulations.

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye

Mr. SOONARANE, Sudhirchandra Mahess Kumar (As from 19.09.2019)

Chairperson

Chairperson

2 Mr. RAMKHALAWON, Chatan Anand Vice-Chairperson

3 Mrs. BHURTUN, Daveeyani Member

4 Mr. FAJURALLY, Abdool Raman Member

5 Mr. GHOORAH, Udaye Kumar Member

6 Mr. HEERAH, Premadeen Member

7 Mr. HEEROOA, Ramnarain Member

8 Mr. IMRITH, Ajaysingh Member

9 Mr. JHOTTY, Iswarduth Member

10 Mr.RAMJEE, Ravi Member

11 Mr. SEEBURRUN, Ashis Kumar Member

Page 6

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

The Public Infrastructure Committee was engaged in the monitoring of works effected by

The Public Infrastructure Department of the Council.

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye


Chairperson

Chairperson

2 Mr. RAMKHALAWON, Chatan Anand Vice-Chairperson




6 Mr. HEEROOA Ramnarain Member



9 Mr. KOWLESSUR, Rishi Member

10 Mr. RAMJEE, Ravi Member


PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE

The Public Health Committee dealt with the Management of Markets and Fairs, hawkers problem

and sanitation.

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye


Chairperson

Chairperson 2 Mr. RAMKHALAWON, Chantan Anand Vice-Chairperson

3 Mr. BALLOO, Nundkoomar Member


5 Mr. MOHUNGOO Asraf Ally Member


7 Mr. HEERAH Premadeen Member



Page 7

WELFARE COMMITTEE

The Welfare Committee was basically constituted to work on the annual Sports and Welfare

Program and to prepare for specific events.

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye


Chairperson

Chairperson

2 Mr. RAMKHALAWON, Chantan Anand Vice-Chairperson




6 Mr. HEERAH Premadeen Member

7 Mr. HEEROOA, Ramnarain Member

8 Mr. IMRITH Ajaysingh Member


LIST OF HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS/SECTIONS FOR YEAR 2019

NAME DESIGNATION

Mr. G.N. RAMANJOOLOO Chief Executive

Mr. N. MIGALE Deputy Chief Executive

Mrs. M.B. ARMOOGUM Financial Controller

Mr. A. SOOKUN Head, Public Infrastructure Department

Mrs. G. LUTCHOOMAN – BIKOO Human Resource Management Officer

Mrs. F. OOZEER Assistant Chief Executive

Mr. D. NUCKCHEDDY

Mr. K.A. THAGALEE

Assistant Chief Executive

Acting Assistant Chief Executive

Mr. J. LOBIN Chief Health Inspector

Mr. B.A. BEEDASY Head, Land Use and Planning Department

Mr. J. RAMMAH Chief Inspector of Works

Mr. C. RAMESSUR IT Officer/Systems Administrator

Mrs. K. GUNEESS Senior Welfare Officer

Mrs. S. DAJEE

Principal Internal Control Officer

Mr. T. PAVADAY Safety & Health Officer/Senior Safety & Health Officer

Page 8

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee has been set up by the Local Government Act 2011 and is

responsible for determination of applications for Outline Planning Scheme, permit issues and

Building and Land Use Permits and for the approval of the purchase of goods and services

exceeding Rs. 100,000.00. However, amendment has been made with the Local

Government Act in September 2016 and the new Permits and Business Monitoring

Committee has been set up. Subsequently, the Executive Committee is responsible for

approval of goods and services exceeding Rs. 100,000.

The Executive Committee in Year 2019

The Executive Committee which is appointed by the Chairperson consisted of the following:

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye


Chairperson

Chairperson

2 Mr. RAMKHALAWON, Chantan Anand Vice-Chairperson





7 Mr. GOLAM Chandra Dath Member

PERMITS AND BUSINESS MONITORING COMMITTEE

With the promulgation of the Finance Act (Miscellaneous Provisions) 2016, amendment has

been made to the Local Government Act 2011 and a new Permits and Business Monitoring

Committee has been constituted in September 2016 to determine applications for Building

and Land Use Permits. The Committee comprises of The Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson,

four (4) Councillors designated by the Chairperson, the Chief Executive, the Head of Land

Use and Planning Department, Head Public Infrastructure Department and the Chief Health

Inspector.

Page 9

The Permits and Business Monitoring Committee consisted of the following members as from

September 2019:

SN Name Position

1

Mr. BUSAWON, Vijaye


Chairperson

Chairperson


3 Mr. JHOTTY, Iswarduth Mr. HEEROOA Ramnarain (As from 19.09.2019)

Member


5 Mr. RAMANJOOLOO, Ghovadarajah Naidoo Chief Executive, Member

6 Mr. BEEDASY, Bashir Aslam Head, Land Use and Planning Department, Member

7 Mr. SOOKUN, Aumrajsingh Head Public Infrastructure Department,

Member

8 Mr. LOBIN, Jaykrishna Chief Health Inspector, Member

PROCUREMENT COMMITTEE

As per Section 160 of the Local Government Act 2011 the procurement of goods and services

shall be effected by a Local Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Public

Procurement Act.

YEAR 2018

Mr. N. MIGALE Chairperson

Mrs. M. B. ARMOOGUM Member

Mr. J. LOBIN Member

Mr. A. JOYPAUL Secretary

Page 10

ADMINISTRATIVE OUTPUT

The Committees of the Council are an ideal forum to frame and formulate policies as well as

the monitoring of management. The deliberations of the Council consist of making

resolutions on recommendations made by Committees. When a Committee resolves, it acts

on behalf of the Council and it reports its decisions to the Council for approval. When

appointing Committees, this fundamental difference is made clear in the terms of reference.

The Council is kept informed about the work of the various departments by means of reports

which Head of Departments submit to appropriate Committees. Committees provide a

convenient place for officers and Councillors to discuss thoroughly on various issues.

Page 11

OTHER COMMITTEES

In addition to the above mentioned Committees, the existing legislations provide for the

setting up of the:

(1) Health and Safety Committee

At the District Council of Moka, the concern of health and security is not a matter of

the law only. Safety and Health employees are integrated in the strategic system of

work, for a better working environment, for a stable social climate among employees

and employer and for a better reputation for the local authority on the whole. Thus,

working under ideal professional conditions is indispensable for the health and safety

of employees.

Moreover, as stipulated by the law, Health and Safety Committees are held for

discussion between employer and employees and to improve working conditions.

The Safety and Health Officer has the duty to inform the employer about the potential

dangers and to minimize the risk. He has to assess the need for preventive measures

to safeguard the safety and health of employees and to develop effective

communication systems on occupational safety and health between employer and

employees. All places of work under the responsibility of the Council has to be

inspected at least once every month and adequate supervision has to be exercised to

ensure the effective implementation of arrangements made, and preventive measures

taken, by the employer.

Investing in occupational safety and health contributes to council performance through

tangible outcomes as cost-benefit analysis studies show that such investments yields

positive results, thus making the workplace a safer, healthier, and more productive

place to work.

Page 12

(2) The Local Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Committee

Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee (LDRRMC)

As stipulated in The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2016, the

LDRRMC Chaired by the Chairperson of the Council, shall meet as often as the

Chairperson of the Council may determine but at least once every 3 months, with

respective members of the Committee as per Section 19(2) of the The National

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2016.

During the year, five such committees were held, one of which was focused on the

preparedness and precautionary measures to be initiated in the approach of cyclone

CILIDA in December 2018. Palliative actions were initiated to reduce risks which

included; cleaning of drains, digging of trenches in flood prone areas, dredging of

rivers and lopping of branches that represented a threat to public safety.

Local Emergency Operations Command (LEOC)

In the event of a disaster or threat from a particular hazard, within the jurisdiction of the

Council, a Local Emergency Operations Command is activated to lead disaster response

operations pertaining to the respective event.

The LEOC operates in accordance with the guidelines of the National Disaster Scheme 2015

and The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2016. In some

circumstances, the LEOC is activated on a 24 hour basis and members have to be physically

present on a shift system to ensure continuity of coordination until deactivation.

During the year 2019, LEOC has been activated as follows:

Activated on Event

28.01.19 Heavy Rain Warning

29.01.19 – 30.01.19 Unstable Weather Condition - Torrential Rain

08.09.19 – 09.09.19 Cyclone GELENA

18.02.19 Heavy Rain

22.02.19 Heavy Rain

29.12.19 - 31.12.19 Cyclone CALVINIA

Page 13

Simulation and Drill Exercise

• A Fire Breakout Simulation Exercise was carried out on Wednesday 22 May 2019 at

Saint Pierre Market

• A Full-Scale Flood Simulation Exercise was held on Saturday 28 September 2019 at

Morcellement Sans Souci, Montagne Blanche

The simulation aimed to assess the abilities and skills of decision makers in the

respective organization on how to deal with a variety of complex factors presented

during a fire breakout. It was also meant to assess the knowledge and ability to

manage plans, protocols and procedures.

• A Simulation (Table Top Exercise) on landslide at Le Pouce Road, Le Pouce Mountain

was carried out on 17 June 2019 with members of the LDRRMC.

The tabletop exercise provided the most efficient way to test and improve the

effectiveness of our Council crisis plan and the crisis response team. Professional

analysis of the exercise provided the crucial information needed to determine how well

our organization would actually respond and continue functioning in a crisis, as well as

how our plan and response teams could be improved. Several issues were discussed

over with the various stake holders present.

The need for a dedicated grade on the establishment, whereby the incumbent would

represent the Council at the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee and

be the liaison officer between the Council and the stakeholders, the grade of Local Disaster

Management Coordinator on the establishment was created for all Local Authorities and were

in post as from September 5, 2018.

Incumbent is responsible, inter-alia to: collaborate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction

and Management Centre (NDRRMC) in liaison with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Committee (LDRRMC) for disaster risk analysis and vulnerability assessment;

coordinate with all stakeholders during disasters; and coordinate activities with all

stakeholders during recovery phase.

Page 14

VILLAGE COUNCILS

Village Councils play a pivotal role in ensuring the wellbeing of the local community within

their administrative areas. There are 16 Village Councils within the jurisdiction of the District

Council of Moka. Each Village Council is comprised of nine elected Councillors and has one

representative serving as District Councillor at the District Council of Moka except for Saint

Pierre Village Council which has two representatives.

Activities

As per its legislative framework, a wide range of activities can be undertaken by the

Village Councils to meet the expectations and promote the wellbeing of the

inhabitants. In this respect, during the financial year 2018-2019, sports activities,

football tournaments, domino competitions, carom competitions, quiz competitions,

cultural shows, cookery courses, fitness classes, medical checkups. outings for senior

citizens, lunch for senior citizens, painting competition for children. mothers’ day

celebration and Christmas celebration were among some of the activities organized by

Village Councils.

In order to maintain a green and healthy environment, awareness campaigns and clean up

campaigns were also organized at Village Council level.

Page 15

Expenses

Each Village Council has its own yearly estimates and the total estimates for the 16 Village

Councils for the year 2018-2019 was Rs 6,100,000.-

An overview of the expenses for year 2018-2019 for village councils is as below:

Sports, Welfare & Civic Activities 48%

Minor Capital Projects 25%

Maintenance of Assets 12%

Utilities 6%

Others 9%

From the above table it can be observed that Village Councils mainly concentrate on

Sports, Welfare & Civic Activities.

Page 16

ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY OF THE COUNCIL

The Council in collaboration with ICAC has taken measures to maintain the highest level of

integrity and promote transparency in the conduct of its affairs through the adoption of

measures to prevent corruption in the organization.

At the level of administration, an Anti-Corruption Committee has been set up to identify risk

areas for corruption, to take necessary measures and also to formulate an Anti-Corruption

Policy.

In parallel, for Councillors an Ethic Committee has been set up presided by the Chairperson

of the Council to promote and disseminate values of the Code of Conduct for Councillors and

provide guidance to Councillors on ethical values.

This shows the commitment of the Council to improve its good governance and corruption

resistance policies. The Council is taking steps to adhere to the Public Sector Anti-Corruption

Framework.

\

Page 17

THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

The Administration Department comprises of the following section:

1. The HRM Section

2. Committee Section

3. The Internal Audit Section

4. The Information Technology Section

5. Registry

6. Procurement Section

7. Health & Safety

(1) HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SECTION

The Human Resource Management Section plays an important role in an organisation. It

ensures the efficient and effective delivery of services to the inhabitants.

All industrial relation, staff discipline, appointments and retirement of Council’s employees

are dealt by the Human Resource Management Section.

It also caters for the training needs of employees as well as looks into the Safety and Health

requirements of different grades of workers during their day-to-day activities as stipulated in

the Occupation Safety and Health Act.

The District Council of Moka has an establishment of 362 employees including staff, manual

grade and part-time employees.

(2) COMMITTEE SECTION

The Committee Section is responsible for the decision making process of the Council. Its

responsibilities are mainly to convene meetings of the Council and Committees, to prepare

Committee papers, to take notes of meeting during their holdings and to draft minutes of

proceedings of Committees for adoption and implementation of decisions after.

Page 18

In 2019, the following Committees have been held:

2019

Ad Hoc Finance Committee Nil

Council Meeting 27

Executive Committee 53

Permits and Business Monitoring Committee 54

Planning Monitoring Committee 10

Health Committee 3

Public Infrastructure Committee 1

Welfare Committee 2

Procurement Committee 47

(3) INTERNAL AUDIT SECTION

There exists an Internal Audit Section at The District Council of Moka which is under the

responsibility of the Administration Department, headed by a Principal Internal Control Officer

and assisted by an Internal Control Officer /Senior Internal Control Officer.

This unit exercises control on the Council’s affair, ensure that appropriate procedures,

practices are operating efficiently to achieve the objectives set, with a view of preventing

fraud, malpractice, extravagance and waste.

During Financial Year 2018/2019, duties pertaining to this Section were allocated to Audit

Staff in order to meet the Council’s aims, objectives and targets. Despite the limited

resources available in terms of staffing, it is worth mentioning that the overall objectives of this

Section were achieved in the most efficient and effective manner.

Page 19

Audit Work for Financial Year 2018/2019

▪ Cash and Cheque collection /deposit to bank.

▪ Random check of Bank Reconciliation for both District and Village Councils

▪ Verification of Payment Vouchers for District and Village Councils

▪ Verification of Overtime/Allowances/Bus Fare/Deductions/Job Card on Council Project

Management System.

▪ Verification of payroll/cash collection /inventory store on EBIZ system/MOLG system.

▪ Mileage Allowance claimed by Field Officers /Daily Progress Report

▪ Special Instruction Form for payroll transactions

▪ End of Year Bonus

▪ Refund of Sick Leaves

▪ Annual increment/compensation/uniform allowance

▪ Computation of Passage Benefits/Assignment of Duties/Car Loan

▪ Computation of Retirement Benefits and Gratuities.

▪ New Appointment/Transfer/Resignations

▪ Annual inventory store & non store items/office

▪ Assist in the opening of tender/quotation box

▪ Vetting of all Draft Contracts Agreement for projects/car loan

▪ Approval of all contract value as per bid evaluation report on Council Project

Management System (CPM).

▪ Verification of all payments using the in-house new CPM System.

▪ Using Council Project Management to view photos of all capital projects & minor

works to get an overview of the implementation of the projects from handing over of

site up to completion of work.

▪ Site visit on Capital Projects and Physical Check on a spot check on material assets

purchased

▪ Using NAVEO System/GPS Report

▪ Advertising and Publicity Fees

▪ Burial /Crematorium Fees

▪ Records of leaves in HRMS Modules

▪ Drawing of lots for allocation of stalls

▪ Verified all agreements for allocation of booth at Saint Pierre Fair

▪ Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Morcellement Application for BLP verified

randomly.

▪ Special Instruction Form for penalty fees prior to issue of Buildilng and Land Use

Permit

▪ Attend Disciplinary Committees

Page 20

(4) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTION

THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF MOKA IN THE DIGITAL ERA

The District Council of Moka has embarked on an innovation road map (I-Council) with the

aim to provide services effectively within the least possible cost. During this endeavour, all

processes have been looked into and have been rationalized by using latest Information

Technology tools adapted to the Council’s services. Moreover the tools and methods that

have been used have led to innovative policies and mechanisms that address gaps and

challenges in social, economic, and environmental sectors including the use of GIS platforms,

GPS and drone technologies, electronic project management system as well as the Internet

of Things.

GPS Fleet Management Solution

Collection and disposal of residential and commercial refuse is an essential weekly service

provided free of charge to each household, and business premises for the enhancement of

the living environment in the district and by making it a clean, safe and healthy place for living.

However, prior to the implementation of the Fleet Management Solution, the scavenging

service was monitored by a group of 10 officers, and still Council was receiving several

complaints on a daily basis from unsatisfied residents and economic operators for wastes

which were not collected on the due date.

Consequently, Council had to deploy additional refuse collection teams against payment of

overtime to overcome this problem on a daily basis.

A major time segment of the concerned department was also dedicated for solving

scavenging problems only.

Hence, the need arouse for a complete shift from the management by crisis system to a

completely new strategy – The Digital Transformation of the waste collection system, that is,

the integration of digital technology into all areas of waste collection resulting in fundamental

changes in operation and delivery of quality service to the customers, as well as reduction in

the overall cost in the provision of scavenging service.

Page 21

With the implementation of the GPS Fleet Management Solution, the waste collection

throughout the Council area is now monitored by only one officer who being in front of his

screen follows the movement of all the lorries in real time, make decision on the spot if there

is any delay, by deploying lorries from sites where work has been completed.

The fuel consumption as well is monitored on a daily basis through sensors which have been

installed

in the diesel tanks to detect for any abnormalities. A fuel graph is shown in Appendix D for

reference.

All these have resulted in a service where complaints for non-collection of waste are almost

non-existent, and the payment of overtime is now limited to the unavoidable situations like

working during public holidays. Even these payments of overtime are effected using the

reports generated by the GPS.

This digital transformation has resulted in reducing the overall cost of waste collection, and

provision of a quality service to the inhabitants.

Such a system also allows the Council to measure the performance of the Refuse Collectors,

and ultimately helping in strategic decision resulting in increasing the overall efficiency of the

service, as well as rendering it more transparent, ease of accessing to any information for

audit or any other purpose. All these being characteristics of good governance.

Integrated Reporting System

Another novel solution used by the Council for waste collection is the integrated reporting

system (IRS) implemented in 2013, which gives real time information of completed and

pending refuse collection tasks in all localities under the Council. This is displayed it the

concerned offices’ screens and public waiting rooms so that staff as well as citizens can see

the quality of work being delivered by the Council, and take remedial action if any.

Management of Barelands

Management of barelands is a problem for the whole country. In an overgrown state,

barelands are a source of various health issues including proliferation of rodents, pests and

mosquitoes causing some serious illness such as dengue fever and chikungunya. Public

safety and security can also be compromised when they are left in an abandoned state as

they then serve as a hiding place as well as for illicit activities.

Page 22

The District Council of Moka has a database of over 2,000 barelands, and, an officer is only

able to manage effectively up to a maximum of 100 plots of such lands, and due to the limited

manpower, no more officers can be delegated to cater for this occurring problem (as the

vegetation growth on bareland needs to be monitored every 3 months).

The complaints for overgrown barelands were always on the rise, and the Council was unable

to cope with so many requests for cleaning and serving notices upon the owners.

Council again had recourse to the digital technology in the form of Drone Imagery and GIS.

These drone imagery have a resolution which is much better than the Google maps and allow

an officer to plot the barelands directly on a dedicated GIS layer. It is also worth noting that

drone imagery also helps to identify barelands which could not be detected during normal

inspection as they were not visible from the roads. The quality of the image also helps to

differentiate between a bareland from a cultivated one.

The drone images together with the GIS platform allow the monitoring of barelands in an

enhanced manner.

This digital system is so programed that it gives an alert every time a plot of land needs to be

visited, or the delay given to their respective owners for cleaning has expired. The system

also caters for change of ownership, and the data stored can be used to recover the sum

used for cleaning by the Council once the owner is known. Evidence of the state of these

lands are also stored in the system in the form of photographs. Each plot of land has a drop

down window with all the required details which helps in its proper monitoring.

With the digitization of this activity, it is the system which is managing the whole database of

the barelands without any manual intervention. The “to do list” of the day is generated

automatically, and the officer has just to visit and update the system accordingly.

The timely manner of visits and actions initiated are crucial to the effective management of

overgrown barelands. If visits due are carried out at a later stage, then the notices served

and the due date mentioned thereat become negated.

Furthermore, the upkeep of all barelands in a cleaned state at all time is of utmost importance

as its only then that the rodents, and vectors will not be present in any given area and will not

be the cause of any sanitary nuisance or of any threat to public safety or security.

Page 23

This intelligent digital system ensures that the above is achieved, and same can also be

monitored independently by the management.

This systematic way of monitoring will bring a change in the mind-set of the owners as well as

the members of public who use these plots of land as a ground for dumping, and following the

rigor applied by the Council thanks to this digital system, everyone will then understand the

importance of a clean and healthy living environment.

At higher management level, monitoring of barelands through this novel system has become

easy as it can display at any time the number of barelands that needs to be attended, and

generate report in any required format. Such a reporting system in real time was never

possible in the previous manual/filing system.

Asset tagging Management System

The GIS platform has been enhanced to offer an asset tagging management system that is

being used to track all the assets of the Council including road infrastructure, storm drains,

street lighting poles, buildings, playgrounds, cemeteries, markets, traffic markings, and leisure

and sports infrastructures. All these assets are now being identified and supported by a

database which ensures records such as specifications, all intervention done and updated

information on the assets. As an example for drains, the information captured are amongst

others the site location, dimensions, GPS coordinate, Cleaning intervention job cards,

Improvement intervention job cards and procurement data linked to the drain asset. More

details of the Asset management tool can be found in Appendix C.

Previously, there was a hurdle in management of assets of the Council whereby the records

were not updated, scattered and inaccurate which lead to erroneous reporting. The Council

has adopted the system of GPS tagging to all assets on a GIS map for better understanding

and accurate recording. The implementation of the asset tagging management system has

necessitated the precise geolocation on a vector map of all the assets of the Council with the

use of QR codes. The GIS platform has been enhanced to offer an asset tagging

management system that is being used to track all the assets of the Council including road

infrastructure, storm drains, street lighting poles, buildings, playgrounds, cemeteries, markets,

traffic markings, and leisure and sports infrastructure. All these assets are now being

identified and supported by a database which ensures records such as specifications,

interventions done and updated information on the assets. The QR Code enables all

intervention carried out on the assets to be properly recorded and documented at a

geographical point.

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This provides accurate identification of assets for problem reporting by the general public and

rapid intervention by the Council by way of its Project Management System (CPM)

New Road Register

The Asset tagging has revolved the concept of road declaration registration and gazetting by

generating the GPS coordinates of all the non-classified roads in its jurisdiction. The Council

has become the pioneer to provide accurate information on road geographical position with

exact location and dimension enabling the legalising of road identification. This register has

become the first of its kind as it provides all the necessary geographical information of the

road to be properly made legal.

With an accurate tagged road register, the Council has received an innovative response from

the Mauritius Post to implement post codes on the basis of roads as per a legal and accurate

road register compared to a single post code assigned to a region of the rural area. This

initiative has been implemented in the villages of the Council which has improved the status

of rural roads and their inhabitants.

Street Lighting

Street lighting forms part of an integral part of the service provided by the Council. The street

lighting service is a major component of the society as it is directly related to the economic

development of a country and has immense impact on the security and safety of its

inhabitants.

The Council manages about 10,500 assets street lanterns throughout its jurisdiction inclusive

of those on motorways, classified and non-classified internal roads in residential areas.

The asset tagging system of the street lighting enables the proper reporting of any fault on the

street lighting network by any member of the public. The QR code & number provides the

necessary data to the maintenance team to intervene precisely on the street lighting being

reported on the GIS which allow a better deployment of the resources. This has resulted in a

better resource management to enable quicker repair of faulty street lighting within a short

period compared to the initial fortnight repair programme.

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The Officer performing the repair validates the intervention by scanning the QR code and

inputting all the works carried out and spare parts used which is compiled for proper

management of the assets. Reports generated from the asset tagging system allow the

Council to properly supervise and administer the state of all the street lighting in its

jurisdiction.

Drain Construction & Maintenance Management

GPS tagging of the drains in the jurisdiction of the Council has ensured the development of an

up-to-date drainage GIS map. This has enabled the Council to accurately plan the cleaning

and maintenance schedule of all existing drains on the geographical strategy which optimised

the resources of the Council. The drainage map also allows the identification of flooded

regions and the proper planning of drain projects being implemented and future development

projects.

This system has generated precise up-to-date drainage maps which previously were

unavailable from any other authority or public instances. The GIS drainage map allows a

better flood management and understanding of the region which allows to cater for the drastic

effect of climate change. The adoption of this system on the basis implemented at the Council

is being considered by other authority for the implementation on a national level.

Council Project Management (CPM) System

Another key use of technology in the public infrastructure department is the use of the Council

project management (CPM) system where all Council projects life cycle lies on a platform of

operation for the following department: Administration, Chief Executive, Finance department,

HR section, Audit section, Public Infrastructure Department, Public Health Department, Land

use and Planning Department, Welfare Department, Stores Section and IT Section to cater

for the procurement procedures, approval of Committees, awarding of contract,

implementation and follow-up of projects, reporting and monitoring, and finally payment

processes. Moreover decision making, creation of project preparation documents starting

from the project approval and listing up to the project implementation passing via all

procurement stages since 2013 can be efficiently undertaken. This integrates all decision

support functions which was initially being viewed as separate, and now offers an integrated

view. More details of the CPM system can be found in Appendix A.

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The system allows the Council officers to easily track the progress of the project via report

and graphical display so that areas of concern can be identified and remedial actions taken

where applicable. The Council Project Management software has been developed by the

officers of the Council.

The CPM has taken into consideration the following components:-

➢ Accountability is in-built in the system processes

➢ The system has been designed to follow all legal procedures

➢ The management of multiple projects at a time

➢ Relief of the burden of reporting and follow-up of officers

➢ Payment can be done with all backup information instantaneously available on the system

➢ Project planning and job planning for proper scheduling

The implementation of the CPM has allowed the officers at the Council to appreciate the

enhancement of the services and develop a new and innovative mind set and approach as

compared to previous existing system practised which could not cope with the increasing

demand of the Council and had become obsolete. The new system provides accurate up-to-

date information which allows better decision making and better management of projects in a

timeous manner.

The CPM has made a major shift in the perception of the officers which were initially used to

work in a linear manner with restricted insight of ongoing projects. The CPM allows a better

insight of the implementation of projects with use of technology and job cards which capture

and records all the resources being used in the projects and thus, provides optimum

management of the resources of the Council that uses a difficult task to achieve with the

previous system.

The use of the CPM has resulted in an enhancement in the achievement of successful project

implementation from an initial Rs. 5M annual funding to a Rs. 300M annual projects

implemented.

The whole jurisdiction of the Council has benefited a better service delivery in terms of road

infrastructure, street lighting service, drainage works, and amenities in terms of multipurpose

halls and sport complexes.

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The CPM generates managerial and administrative reports, derived from inputs from officers

supervising project, which offers valuable and concise information to allow management of

projects on village wise, region wise and jurisdiction wise basis. There is also a complete

control of expenditure of projects and fund management as all expenses are updated on a

real time basis.

The CPM permits the creation of a proper programme of work by forecasting start and

completion dates for and organising the successful implementation schedule of projects. All

contractual details are fully integrated in the system.

The CPM is the operational arm of the Council continuously updating the GIS which represent

the displaying arm giving a global view of the projects within its jurisdiction.

Geographical Information System

A key innovation area in this Department has been the introduction of the GIS Technology for

urban planning within the District Council area which has created a revolutionary change in

the very functioning of the Planning Department. Previously, the District Council was

managed on a “file-based system”, that is applicants for Building and Land Use Permit used

to call at office with bundle of documents which the District Council had to streamline and

consolidate into a file and then despatched to a Technical Staff after one or after two days

once the administrative formalities are completed.

The Technical Staff on his part consults individually and separately a series of planning

instruments such the Outline Planning Scheme, Planning Policy Guidance, Development

Management Map, different pieces of enactments governing land development to be able to

make an assessment which normally takes days since he has to effect a site visit in the first

instance. This workflow for assessing application in addition to being time consuming

revealed to have a major drawback in the sense that such application was assessed on a

“stand alone” basis that is devoid of the global planning context of the area and real time data.

With the introduction of GIS, there has been a major shift in the way applications in the

Planning Department are processed. All the planning instruments mentioned above have

been digitized, updated and geo-referenced together with other available data on the GIS.

Systematically, all past and present applications are plotted and archived on the GIS which

help in redefining the physical pattern of land development.

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Therefore, this methodology has in turn given birth to a robust digital cadastral database to

meet the aspiration and objectives for all the different Departments of the District Council

especially for long term forecasts and management.

With this new technological tool, the advantages are numerous. Undoubtedly, the time taken

for a technical staff to make an assessment has been drastically reduced. It is no

exaggeration to say that that virtually a Technical Staff can within minutes after the

registration of an application, assess it without the need for a site visit as it was done before.

Likewise, with the help of this database as backdrop, members of the Committee entrusted to

determine applications, have the overall picture of the planning context and real time data to

take in all transparency, fairness and consistency, a well-motivated decision.

The District Council has also been able to build a digital archiving system of all applications

which otherwise in the normal course of things would have taken lot of time and human

resource to archive the files. Moreover, with the ever increasing number of files day in day

out, additional floor space would have been arranged for thereby increasing further the

overheads of the Council.

Additionally, thanks to GIS, the Council has saved substantial amount of money just by

embracing the universal trend of working in a “paperless environment” thereby aligning to the

Sustainable Development Goals.

In a nutshell, adopting GIS indeed is a landmark and bold initiative of the first local authority of

Mauritius to embrace the digital world of technology but for us it is only the start of a

passionate journey. It is our promise to tread on this world of discoveries unflinchingly.

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Innovtech 2019

To show the public at large the concept of I-Council, The District Council of Moka has stepped

into the Innovtech 2019 held at Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre (SVICC)

on August 2019.

The District Council has obtained a physical area of 3M x 5M whereby an innovation stand

was constructed with all its amenities like electric sockets, network cabling, high speed

internet connection, four sets of all-in-one PCs, 4 55-inch TVs and signages and so on. This

was made possible in a limited amount of time with all staff present to complete the setup.

The systems that has been displayed are as follows:-

• Project Management System

• GIS Asset Tagging Management System

• GIS Bareland Management System

• GIS Planning System

The exhibition was held with 3 days at SVICC whereby more than 200 visitors including Staff

from other Local Authorities came to visit the stall of The District Council of Moka.

An innovation competition was held within villages to identify creative and innovative talents

by the Emergence of Innovation Clubs in villages. Exhibition and price giving was held at the

Innovtech programme.

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(5) THE REGISTRY SECTION

The Registry is the nervous point of the Administration Department where all mails are from

public and private organizations, NGOs, etc. are being received, registered and channeled to

all concerned departments for replies and implementation.

It is also responsible for filing of all documents and mails to be used as archives for the

Councils. In 2019, there have been 13,320 incoming mails.

The Section is assisted by Word Processing Operators for all outgoing mails which have

amounted to 2123 in 2019.

(6) THE PROCUREMENT SECTION

As per the Public Procurement Act, the Procurement Section of the Council is responsible for

all procurement of goods and services of the Council which consist of:

➢ Preparation of bid documents

➢ Calling for direct procurement, request for quotation, restricted bidding, open

advertised bidding and expression of interests

➢ Opening of bid documents

➢ Award of Contracts

➢ Preparation of Procurement Plan/Annual Tender

In year 2019, the following bids have been awarded:

➢ Direct Procurement : 93

➢ Request for Quotations/Restricted Biddings : 50

➢ OAB : 1

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THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT

The Public Infrastructure Department is one of the important departments in the

Organizational Structure of the Council and is the executing arm of the Council for the

implementation and management of projects including maintenance of assets such as roads,

drains and street lighting.

The Public Infrastructure Department is mainly responsible amongst others for the following

services:

▪ Construction and Maintenance of Non-Classified Roads;

▪ Construction and Maintenance of surface water drains along Non-Classified Roads;

▪ Construction, Care, Maintenance and Improvement of Public Lighting in the Towns,

including Motorways and Main Road;

▪ Maintenance of Traffic Signs and Roadmarking, including Nameplates on Non-

Classified Roads;

▪ Design, Supervision and Management of Building and Civil Engineering Projects

undertaken by in-house labour or Contractors;

▪ Repairs and Maintenance of Fleet of the Council’s vehicles and Plants;

▪ Processing of Building and Land Use Permits and Morcellement Applications;

▪ Fixing of Decorations for Social, Sports and Religious Activities;

▪ Implementation and Maintenance of Infrastructural Projects related to Buildings,

Roads, Bridges, Drains, Pavements, Lighting, Playgrounds, Sports Grounds, Social

Halls, Traffic Centres, Markets, Fairs, Crematoriums, Public Libraries, Green Spaces,

Gardens and Playgrounds, etc;

▪ Maintenance of all Infrastructural Assets of the Council;

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▪ The main functions of the Public Infrastructure Department are to design and manage

Building and Civil Engineering Projects undertaken by in-house labour or Contractors

and to ensure adequate maintenance of existing assets.

The overall management and discipline of staff of the department rest on the Head,

Public Infrastructure Department. The overall control and supervision of all operations

is done by the Chief Inspector of Works.

The Head, Public Infrastructure Department and Chief Inspector of Works advise the

Council on engineering matters and the implementation and application of the relevant

legislations including the Roads Act, the Building Control Act and the Local

Government Act.

LIST OF VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

SN TYPE OF VEHICLE NUMBER

1 Lorries for conveyance of materials and employees

3

2 Tipper lorries for scavenging service

3

3 Compactor lorries for scavenging service

8

4 Street lighting lorries

2

5 Roller

1

6 Bitumen lorry

1

7 Van 4 x 4

1

8 Bus 60 seater

1

9 Executive Car

1

10 Roller

1

11 Bitumen Sprayer

1

12 Backhoe Loader 1

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THE LAND USE AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The Land Use and Planning Department is set up under Section 67 of the Local Government

Act (LGA) 2011 and is commonly known as the Planning Department. It consists of 12

persons namely the Head of Planning and Land Use Department,1 Planning and

Development Officer, 2 Planning and Development Inspectors, 8 Planning and Development

Assistants.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT

One of the important functions of the Planning Department is to receive and process

applications for Building and Land Use Permit (BLP), Outline Planning Permission (OPP) as

well as those for installation of motors/Engines and to make recommendations to the Permits

and Business Monitoring Committee (PBMC). BLP and OPP are issued for the different types

of developments which are summarised as follows:

1. Parcelling of land such as excision and division of land among heirs

2. Residential

3. Boundary wall

4. Commercial

5. Industrial

6. Sui Generis

7. Workshop

8. Social such as Place of Public worship

9. Change of use from one economic activity to another

Other functions of the Planning department include the following:

1. To investigate complaints and illegal developments

2. To Initiate legal proceedings at the level of District Court, Intermediate Court and

Supreme Court

3. To advise applicants on land use matters

4. To represent the Council in Morcellement Board, Land Conversion Permit, EIA/PER

Committees amongst others.

5. To submit views to the Valuation Department for assessment of property.

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6. To attend the Environment and Land Use Appeal Tribunal (ELAT) in respect of appeal

cases

7. To submit clearance prior to accept any payment of Trade fee for any economic

activity

8. To effect ex-post control

PROCESSING AND DETERMINATION OF APPLICATIONS

The District development is controlled through GIS technology and now applications are

processed using GIS Maps and archiving. This has brought new effectiveness in the

administrative and technical processes in dealing with applications. Marked improvement has

been noted in handling of documents, archiving and applications assessment time and

accuracy. GIS technology has given a new dimension to assessment by allowing the viewing

of the application in an actual map and all documents uploaded in the system are viewable

concurrently.

Since 24 September 2019, the Council has introduced online applications for Building and

Land Use Permit through the National E-Licensing System (NELS) developed by the

Economic Development Board (EDB).

ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM

With the sheer number of illegal developments being observed for which offenders in most

cases pay only fines when found guilty by the Court, Government has in the Budget Speech

2018-2019, made it clear that the problem of illegal development should be tackled as a

matter of priority. To that end, since 10 October 2018 amendments have been brought to the

Local Government Act with a view to :

(a) harmonising and strengthening the legal provisions pertaining to illegal constructions

and developments, and give more powers to local authorities;

(b) increasing the penalties for illegal constructions and developments; and

(c) providing for mandatory pulling down orders by District Courts for illegal constructions

and developments.

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APPLICATIONS APPROVED / REJECTED

In the year 2019, the Land Use and Planning Department has successfully entertained 1090

applications for different categories details of which are hereby summarised in the Charts

below.

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BLP APPLICATIONS BY STATUS

NUMBER OF

APPLICATIONS FOR YEAR 2019

Commercial 58

Residential 661

Services 35

Industrial 29

Sui Generis 45

Small Enterprise 1

Motor 12

Morcellement 222

Wall 14

Outline Planning Permission 13

REJECTED APPLICATIONS NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS

Commercial 23

Residential 126

Services 10

Industrial 3

Sui Generis 12

Small Enterprise 0

Motor 0

Morcellement 34

Wall 2

Outline Planning Permission 4

THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION

The public health department has the overall responsibility for the creation and maintenance

of a good living environment in the Council area.

The main duties of the Public Health Department are:

1. Refuse collection

2. Cleaning and management of overgrown barelands

3. Management of Market and Fairs

4. Management of Cemeteries and Crematorium

5. Sweeping of roads

6. Rodent control

7. Collection of bulky wastes

8. Control of illegal hawkers, and other trades

9. Sensitisation campaigns

10. Enforcement duties

11. Control of pollution

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1. Department Manpower

2. Refuse Collection Service

Collection and disposal of residential and commercial refuse, being an essential service, is

implemented by the Public Health Department for the enhancement of the living environment

in the district and by making it a clean, safe and healthy place for living. The District is thus,

divided into thirteen (13) sections and a once weekly service is provided to all the residential,

and commercial premises, as well as schools, and other waste generators.

To cater for the smooth running of the scavenging service, the following manpower and

vehicle fleet are deployed:

Field supervisor - 5

Refuse Collectors - 103

Lorries - 12 (5 tippers & 7 compactors)

It is to be noted that the service, which is on a 6-day basis, is provided as from 5.30 a.m. and

as per an established program of work which is monitored by the Health Inspectorate Cadre.

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3. Sweeping of Roads

Coupled with the scavenging service, all the roads are swept on a weekly basis in residential

areas.

4. Environment Team

A dedicated team of 28 Refuse Collectors has been set up for the collection of litters along all

the main roads, and bypasses within Council area. Basically, this work is done on a

fortnightly basis, as per a variable roster. This team is also responsible for mowing works

along roadsides, on roundabouts, as well as green spaces.

5.Bulky waste Campaign

Bulky waste campaign was carried out during the months of August to November, and E-

wastes Campaign during the months of April to June. The inhabitants were informed (through

the distribution of flyers) regarding the date of collection, and same were disposed of at both

La Laura and La Brasserie Transfer Stations

- Number of trips of bulky wastes collected: 139

- Number of trips of E- wastes collected: 159

Collection of used tyres is done on a ‘as & when’ required basis from cremation grounds and

other individual sites.

Number of used tyres collected and conveyed to Mare Chicose Landfill Site: 5915

Waste Data

No of trips of wastes collected and conveyed to Transfer Station: 8356

Volume of Waste generated: 27,854 tons

The average volume of waste generated per person per day during the year 2019 is

approximately 1 kg.

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6. Environmental Activities

Clean up Campaigns have been organised in collaboration with private entities for promoting

The Moka District Council territory into a cleaner and healthier one. Also, embellishment

works have been effected at strategic places, such as roundabouts, green spaces etc.

7. Market and Fair

The Council is responsible for the management of four (4) markets and fairs which are

situated at Quartier Militaire, Montagne Blanche, Moka, and Saint Pierre, as follows:

Market/ Fairs Days of operation Items offered for sale

Saint Pierre Market Fair Wednesdays & Sundays Vegetables & Fruits, Haberdashery, Meat, Fish and Poultry

Quartier Militaire Open Fair Wednesdays & Sundays Vegetables & fruits, Haberdashery goods, Fish and Poultry

Montagne Blanche Open Fair Sundays Vegetables & Fruits and Haberdashery goods

Moka Open Fair Everyday Vegetables & Fruits and Haberdashery goods

With the renovation and extension of the

present market, the Council has a vision to

make it become the preferred shopping area

for customers around Mauritius, in terms of

commerce and conviviality. Apart from being

the local point for shopping in the area, it is

also expected to be a major attraction for the

tourists as well

Food Court

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Haberdashery Section

Vegetable Section

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8. Cemeteries ,Cremation Grounds, and Crematorium

There are five cemeteries, and 13 cremation grounds within the District Council Area.

❖ The cemeteries are situated at:

❖ Montagne Blanche

❖ Alma

❖ Circonstance, Saint Pierre

❖ L'Esperance

❖ Saint Julien D’Hotman

Total number of burials carried out during 2019: 168

Crematorium

The only crematorium of the Council is found at Circonstance, Saint Pierre.

It a modern, LPG propelled incinerator, satisfying all the environmental laws.

Number of incineration carried out in 2019: 137

9. Rodent Control

Attention is also given to the control of rodents at susceptible places of the Council area.

Therefore, rodenticides are placed along the roads, wastelands bordering main roads and

drains, river banks on a twice yearly basis.

Rodent Control at the Market, Fair, and all traffic centres is done on a weekly basis 600 kg of

rodenticide were used during the year 2019.

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10. Cleaning of wastelands

It is Council’s policy to carry out frequent surveys of all barelands found within the limits of the

town and to take appropriate action. Survey which were carried out, led to the identification of

1278 plots of barelands, as follows

➢ 450 - known owners

➢ 828 - unknown owners

➢ 15 - state land

➢ 22 known owners but residing abroad

Notices were served at regular intervals upon known owners as per the Eyesore abatement

notices under section 89 of the Environment Protection Act 2002 to serve; and requiring them

to clean and maintain their respective plots of land. 704 notices were served upon known

owners for cleaning of their bareland.

124 barelands of unknown owners were cleaned by in-house labour. Priority was given to

barelands found within a radius of 200m in residential areas.

In the case of big extent of lands, a strip of about 3m along the roadside and dwellings were

cleaned.

11. Economic operators

There were 5,958 Economic Operators plying to their trade in 2019 and 6,109 Trade Fee

Receipts were issued by this Council.

12. Traffic Centre

The only traffic centre is located at Saint Pierre, and being a strategic place, it is visited by

thousands of commuters, students and members of the public on a daily basis.

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13. Public Toilets

The Council has provided lavatory facilities to the public and which are located at the

following places:

1. Moka Public Car Park (near AMB)

2. Quartier Militaire Bus Stand

3. Montagne Blanche near Village Hall

4. Saint Pierre Traffic Centre

5. Reduit Traffic Centre

6. Eau Bouille Bus Stand

They are open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on a daily basis. To maintain a high standard of

hygiene, cleaning and maintenance works are carried out by private contractors.

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THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT

The Welfare Department is responsible for the management of welfare activities and

organization of social, cultural, civic and s

ports activities within the District Council’s area for the benefits of its inhabitants.

Welfare is in itself is a vast concept which comprises several pertinent issues related to the

wellbeing or efforts by government and institution generally geared to ensure physical, social,

healthy, safe and financially secured well-being.

Previously, welfare activities at the District Council of Moka, were mostly concentrated in the

organisation of festivities, Cultural and Sports and minor Civic Activities and maintenance of

playfields and leisure square. However, in last the couple of years the Council has started to

expand its welfare activities. New avenues for intervention are being developed to cater for

the increasing demand and expectations of the local community.

Such fields of intervention are environment protection campaigns; field works on several

social ills e.g. Road Safety, Poverty Alleviation, Drug and Substance abuse, domestic

violence poverty alleviation campaigns like encouraging women entrepreneurship through the

diversification of the present sewing classes which has become obsolete.

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WORKFORCE OF THE WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN FINANCIAL YEAR 2019

WELFARE DEPARTMENT

The Council has maintained its long tradition in assisting socio-cultural organisations in the

celebration of National Festivals such as Cavadee, Mahashivratree, Ugaadi, Ganesh

Chaturthi, Easter Celebration and at the same end helping its inhabitants in fulfilling their

spiritual duties.

The Council provides assistance in terms of logistic supports such as road patching works,

cleaning and mowing of river banks, places of worships, temporary lighting, spreading of

crusher run, placing of flags, decorative lamps and scavenging services.

Moreover, a financial grant of Rs3,000 is allocated to religious bodies as a symbolic

contribution of the Council.

A panoply of activities are organized by the Council each year ranging from cultural,

recreational, religious among others.

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Senior Welfare Officer

(1 employee)

Welfare Officer

(2 employees)

:Library Clerk

(1 employee) Sewing Teacher

(10 employees)

Gardener

(1 employee)

:Library Attendant

(Part Time)

(1 employee)

SOME MAJOR ACTIVITIES ORGANIZED BY THE COUNCIL IN 2019

1. MAHA SHIVARATREE CELEBRATION

The Council set up a Centre d’accueil to welcome pilgrims from 10-12 March 2019.

The District Council of Moka in collaboration with The District Council of Flacq welcome

pilgrims of Maha Shivaratree at the J. Baguant Social Hall, Quartier Militaire. Food and drinks

were served to all Pilgrims as well as bathroom and toilet faciliites, recharge of mobile phones

and ‘nattes’ for rest. Arrangements were also made with the St. John Ambulance to provide

free first aid assistance to pilgrims.

2. INTER VILLAGE INNOVATION COMPETITION

Through an initiative of The Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation to

organize an innovation competition in collaboration with the national Computer Board and the

mauritius Research Council for local authorities. The District Council of Moka was chosen for

a pilot project. The competition was extended to all the villages of the District in order to make

people more innovative and more adept at using technology in their daily activities.

In the same line the idea to create an innovative spirit among the youth which will then lead

an innovation club in each village.

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Four villages participated in the competition leading to the submission of five projects as

follows:

The Village Council of Providence presented a project called Mo Paz, a Web based platform

for part time job seekers, job recruiters, service providers and clients.

The Village Council of Melrose presented a project on rain water harvesting where residents

will be encouraged to collect rainwater by various means so that the demand of water supply

required for daily purposes is met.

The Village Council of Montagne Blanche presented the Mauripark Project a new way to park

your bicycle as major problem has been identified regarding the improper bicycle parking

system.

The Village Council of Dagotiere presented two projects one on bus shuttles service in the

area of Dagotiere and a project on E-Waste disposal

During Innovtec 2019 held at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, the

award ceremony was organized where all participants were conveyed to receive their prizes.

The winner of the competition was the Village Council of Providence with a cash prize of

Rs10,000, the runner up was the village Council of Melrose with a cash prize Rs 50,000 and

the third prize was the Village Council of Montagne Blanche with a cash prize of Rs25,000.

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4. Inauguration of Petit Verger Multi-Purpose Hall

Petit Verger region is located in Saint Pierre with a population of about 6,000 inhabitants.

This area has since decades been deprived of basic amenities and facilities like a hall for

indoor games and meetings, leisure and sports infrastructure for the local community. The

nearest location for such facilities was available at L’Agrément, a distant place for the

residents.

As a temporarily solution, the Council rented a Sub Hall from Zamindar Cooperative Society.

The Sub Hall was inaugurated on 28 November 2016. It accommodated a gym and a

meeting room for Women Associations like Roselyn Cottage, Senior Citizen Associations,

Sports Clubs and Socio Religious Organisations. Due to increasing demand for the use of

the Sub Hall which has become too small to accommodate these requests, the Council

decided to look for a more convenient and spacious place.

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After Expression of Interest, the acquisition of the present site was finalised in September

2017. It occupies an area of 50 perches and has cost Rs 7.5 million to the Council. With a

Capital Grant of Rs.10M obtained in the Estimates 2018/2019 from the Central Government,

the Council proceeded with the construction of a modern and aesthetic two storey

multipurpose hall which covers an area of approximately 8,000 sq ft comprising of the

following facilities:

(i) A leisure corner for indoor games with modern equipment and for reading facilities.

(ii) A modern gym for physical exercise.

(iii) A spacious hall for social gatherings, meetings, Zumba, yoga and other activities.

(iv) A modern children playground with synthetic grass.

(v) A petanque court

(vi) Parking facilities for about 30 vehicles.

Inauguration was held on Friday 6th September 2019 by THE HONOURABLE PRAVIND

KUMAR JUGNAUTH, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS.

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5. JEUX DES ILES 2019

The Indian Ocean Games 2019 which Mauritius hosted was the most important sporting

activities and The District Council of Moka game a helping hand to the government in its

organisation. Banners were placed in strategic placed of The Moka District and the Council’s

bus was put at the disposal of the organising committee.

On the 15 and 16 July 2019, the Council welcomed the ‘Flamme des jeux’ in every village to

raise awareness of the inhabitants and motivate their sense of pratriotism. During the games,

a giant screen was placed at St Pierre Market to enable public to view the competition

organised on in the different fields.

The great influence was the live show that the Council organised at St Pierre market during

the final of the football match where the Mauritian Team was opposed to the Reunion Team.

Games and live show were organised on that day. It was a great mobilisation of the public

who participated in the games and was there to encourage the Mauritian Team.

It was a memorable event that the Council could not forget to put on record.

6. MEGA CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN

As highlighted in the budget speech of the Honourable Prime Mininister, a National Clean-up

Campaign was held in all Local \Authorities on 13 and 14 July 2019, The District Council of

Moka participated actively in different ways in Cleaning, Sensitization Programme,

embellishment works with decorative plants, upgrading works were organised at different

sites namely Mount Ory, Dubreuil, La Laura Malenga, Beau Bois ,Saint Pierre, Valetta,

Bonne Veine - Quartier Militaire and Cité St. Joseph, Montagne Blanche.

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Sensitization meetings with the community was organised in the different villages and

the Saint Pierre market podium was used as a focal point (live desk) to give an update on all

the works carried out on these two days of cleaning activities.

The Honourable Prime Minister and Members of the National Assembly marked their

presence on Sunday 16 July 2019. They all put hand together to clean and plant at Mount

Ory.

OTHER SERVICES

Maintenance of Playfields, Green Spaces and Leisure Parks

The Welfare Department is also responsible for the cleaning and mowing of playfields, green

spaces and children gardens. Despite limited resources, maximum has been done to deliver

a satisfactory service to the inhabitants.

The Council is actually responsible for the maintenance of 17 football grounds, 35 children

gardens and 12 volleyball pitches, 2 jogging tracks mainly found at Ripailles, Melrose and

L’Agrément. Football Grounds are mowed every 15 to 18 days interval.

The Council has also innovated the concept of playgrounds, which are now equipped with

synthetic grass are now constructed with modern playfields games.

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Social Halls

The Welfare Department is also responsible for the Management of Social Halls. There are

four social halls actually under the responsibility of the Council namely, Professor J. Baguant

Social Hall, Petit Verger Multi-Purpose Hall, Bois Cheri Recreational Centre and Moka Village

Hall. These Social Halls are usually put at the disposal of the public for wedding ceremonies

and receptions against payment of related fees to the Council and for activities of senior

citizens and women’s Association and leisure activities at a reduced cost. Moreover, social

halls are provided free of charge to government institutions for holding of official functions and

seminars.

REFERENCE LIBRARY

The Council has setup a full fledge modern Reference Library for the region with a collection

of over 3000 books in different fields like computer science, medicines, psychology,

constructions among others. Moreover, the Council is also registered with the Emerald

Insight Website providing access to a large collection of e-books and e-journals.

Computers with internet facilities and photocopy service have been made at the disposal of

the citizen to access the Emerald Insight Website and for reference purposes. It is a

comfortable and quiet place to study, read and conduct research works

A reading corner where international magazines and daily newspapers are available.

The launching was held on the 27 August 2018 by The Honourable Prime Minister.

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Physical Exercise

Zumba/Yoga classes have been introduced in all Village Councils for the benefit of the

inhabitants.

Professional gym equipments have been provided in Village Councils where an instructor

provides training and assistance to the inhabitants

COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP

Following the Marshall Plan programme against poverty alleviation, Community Working

Group (CWG) has been set up in different regions of the island.

The CWG of Moka district is under the Chairmanship of the National Empowerment

Foundation. Meeting is held once monthly where members of different stakeholders are

invited to attend to derive strategies and measures to come up with problem related to

poverty alleviation in deprive areas of the District of Moka.

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The CWG is a committed group that works together, and collaboration is an essential part.

Various activities/ measures have been organized/undertaken by the CWG namely: -

• Adult literacy courses by Caritas at Vuillemin.

• Literacy programme for the youth at Vuillemin on Wednesday and Thursday.

• Officer of the NEF meet the inhabitants of Moka on Thursday at the District Council Office

to take stoke of the problems and find out solution to help them.

• Meeting was held at grass roots level with the Inhabitants of Vuillemin.(Annexed Photo).

• Mini-Job Fair at Vuillemin.

• Job Fair at Saint Pierre.

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE WELFARE

1. Logistics supports such as flags/ chairs and tables are provided to NGO’s, Religious

organisations, etc.

2. Entertain distress cases i.e fire cases or flood etc.

3. The District Council Bus is put at the disposal of Associations, Groups and Senior Citizens

for their outings.

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THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Department is responsible for:

• The collection of all revenues accruing to the Council

• Effecting all payments including payments of salaries to its employees

• Preparing the yearly Budget Estimates and Financial Statements for submission to the

Ministry of Local Government and National Audit Office respectively

• The overall financial administration of the Council including providing financial advice,

financial information and exercising financial control on all financial transactions

The Finance Department consists of the Income, Expenditure, Payroll and Stores Sections.

The activities of the Finance Department are financed from:

• Government Grant in Aid

• Council’s own sources of revenue

Government Grant in Aid

An amount of Rs 260 M was received as Government Grant in Aid during the financial year

2018/19 to finance the recurrent expenditures of the Council. This represents about 89% of

the total income for the financial year.

Own Sources of Revenue

Internally generated revenue of the Council includes amongst others:

• Trade Fees

• Building and Land Use Permit Fees

• Market Stall Fees

• Advertisement and Publicity Fees

• Bus Toll Fees

• Burial and Incineration Fees

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The total approved recurrent budget for the Financial Year 2018/19 was Rs 276.3 M and

actual expenditure on main vote items are as per Chart below:

Analysis of Expenditure for the Financial Year 2018-19

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

The Council has spent a total amount of Rs 129.3 M on Property, Plant and Machinery and

Public Infrastructures for the financial year 2018-19. Public infrastructures consist of

Construction of Road, Drains, Bridge, Street Lighting network, Sport Infrastructures among

others.

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

(Under Transitional IPSAS) (UNAUDITED)

30.6.2019 30.6.2018

NOTES MUR MUR

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 15 656,612 2,616,824

Receivables From Exchange Transactions 16 2,994,061 3,257,392

Receivables From Non-Exchange

Transactions 17 6,069,361 10,097,124

Capital Grant Receivables 18 48,454,596 13,058,534

Inventories 19 5,862,993 5,272,435

Investments 20 14,854,800 43,803,623

Work in Progress 21 2,028,633 6,649,778

Total Current Assets 80,921,055 84,755,710

Non - Current Assets

Intangible Assets 22 2,440,335 74,625

Property, Plant And Equipment 23 926,681,861 622,809,434

Total Non - Current Assets 929,122,196 622,884,059

TOTAL ASSETS 1,010,043,251 707,639,769

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities

Trade And Other Payables From Exchange 24 6,050,624 10,671,792

Refundables Deposits From Customers 25 13,690,634 7,706,370

Provisions 26 0 0

Capital Grant Payable 27 25,820,577 17,639,929

Other Grant Payable 28 891,301 0

Short Term Employment Benefit Obligations 29 4,200,000 4,200,000

Payments Received In Advance 15,000 15,000

Total Current Liabilities 50,668,137 40,233,091

Non - Current Liabilities 30

Long Term Employment Benefit Obligations 31 41,828,592 41,828,592

Retired Employee Benefits 32 158,472,969 158,472,969

Total Non - Current Liabilities 200,301,561 200,301,561

TOTAL LIABILITIES 250,969,698 240,534,652

Equity

Net Assets/Equity 33 815,608,634 620,549,260

Reserves 34 (56,535,081) -153,444,143

Total Net Assets/Equity 759,073,553 467,105,117

TOTAL NET ASSETS/EQUITY AND

LIABILITIES 1,010,043,251 707,639,769

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Approved in Council Meeting

on 26th September 2019

MR S.M.K SOONARANE MR G.N.RAMANJOOLOO

CHAIRMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,

2019 ( ( Under Transitional IPSAS-Classification of Expenses by Nature)

30.6.2019 30.6.2018

NOTES MUR MUR

Revenue From Non-Exchange

Trans

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