The torrential rains were definitely caused by global warming and Indian Ocean wetting. Naturally, the engineers had nothing to do with the clogged drains, the METEO did raise the alarm about the dangers posed by blocked drains and the designing of roads according to what they (the engineers) characterize as ‘international norms’ was in fact what was required. It is evident as well that the Minister of Public Infrastructure was monitoring everything as an expert in view of the manner in which he inspects the works as dutifully portrayed by the MBC TV network. He said yes to the engineers when he ought to have said no in the flowery language which he uses within the confines of his office. What the Minister and the engineers failed to appreciate, and in fact acted as buccaneers in the process, was that international norms must be nationalized in the sense that the local conditions must predominate in the concept and construction.

It is obvious that elementary norms of adaptation to local features were simply ignored by the buccaneering engineers. The Judicial Enquiry (JE) which must take place before a Magistrate will be an eye-opener regarding decision-making at all levels of Government. This JE can be more effective than a Commission of Enquiry. T he private sector will also be in the line of enquiry as the public needs to know how it bids for contracts and how the allocation process for construction contracts is decided on.

One feature which will have to be focused on is whether and to what extent the successful bidders have financed the purchase of religious statues and idols for different places of worship. The Magistrate who will be presiding over the JE must not shirk his/her responsibilities in failing to probe what the authorities may not want the Court to probe. A JE is normally held to determine the cause of death of any person who died in non-suspicious circumstances and former Justice Ahnee was right when he went public about the risk of the JE not performing as it should.

It is the responsibility of the Government to come open with everything about what went wrong so that next time it goes right. Any attempt to push under the wet carpet matters which are relevant and important will be shameful. A tragedy has occurred. People have lost their lives. But the truth must be told, however unpalatable it is. The dead will not rest otherwise. Mauritius must rise to the occasion and apportion blame where it must.

History has a terrible method of repeating itself. It must be remembered that Minister Bachoo apparently was the Minister in charge when the fatalities occurred at Vale on account of the road engineers failing to provide a round about there. He has at all times taken a keen interest in all matters akin to ‘punditry’. He keeps praying all through Maha Shivaratree and the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation never misses all his poses and moralizing speeches when he resorts to a form of religious transportation. Such poses are really impressive and anyone in such a situation would have his prayers answered. The question is the following: Was he praying on Saturday when a natural catastrophe struck? If he was, why was he not able to intercede with the Almighty to spare this ‘plaisir’ country the death of 11 innocent Mauritians and the incredible havoc of Canal Dayot? Or, is it that his prayers are falling on ears that are not listening to him any more?