Port Louis — The Oasis project in Pereybere will contribute to the value of this region, according to the author.

The government has now launched a new scheme, the Real Estate Investment Scheme to democratize the property development sector. It is said that now small landowners, mostly planters with marginal land unsuitable for agriculture, can now develop properties for sale to foreigners and thus enter a segment so far limited to large landowners.

As the minimum area eligible for the new scheme is only one arpent, many small planters will now be able to switch to this new sector. However, will the government assist these people so that they realize their projects?

If we look at the north, especially at the Chemin 20 pieds area, it is a fact that, after the saturation of Grand Bay, Pereybere, Bain Boeuf and Cap Malheureux, property developers are now eyeing this region for future projects. Current projects include the Landmark and the Oasis Phase 1 and 2. These developments have added to the value of this region and the price of land in Chemin 20 pieds is rocketing. Many small planters from the nearby regions of Petit Raffray, Triolet, Goodlands, The Vale, Fond Du Sac, Sottise, Grand Bay etc own land at Chemin 20 pieds and La Salette. These lands are arid and unproductive and have been abandoned for years.

Their residential value has appreciated manifold. Buyers interested in these lands abound. However, in the absence of a proper infrastructure and lack of control on compliance with planning and policy guidelines, it can be seen that there is a ribbon development taking place in the region, with makeshift morcellements devoid of basic infrastructure such as good roads, drains, etc, and housing estates and other commercial developments. Even at Chemin du Vieux Moulin, no space is being left for pedestrians. If this unplanned development is allowed to continue, the attractiveness of the region will decline and road safety will be compromised.

The government should start by widening the Vingt Pieds Road and construct appropriate pedestrian footpaths to accommodate the growing number of local residents and traffic. However, it is noted that most developments are not respecting statutory distance between their projects and the road boundary line, which means it will be later impossible to widen the road or construct pavements if no space is reserved.

Similarly, development is taking place further inside and no provision is being made to widen existing "simin cannes" where two vehicles can barely cross. If nothing is done to control the situation, the whole area will soon become like Plaine Verte or Goodlands, with tiny narrow roads servicing large residential areas, where even a fire engine or a scavenging truck cannot enter! Just look at the type of development that has taken placearound Racket Street, Grand Bay and its surroundings. This should not happen again!

It is time that the government, the ministry of local government, ministry of housing and lands and the local authorities act now and come up with a major planning guideline for the entire chemin 20 pieds in Grand Bay/Pereybere/Pavillon area and all the lands situated on both sides of the road. To make the region attractive, accessible and safe, all the small lanes across the abandoned ex-sugar cane fields should be widened and asphalted. The District Council North should also ensure that planning guidelines are being adhered to. Developpers should be asked to leave a reasonable reserve stretch for future use (pipe laying, electric cables, drains, etc).

Without government assistance, for example from the Empowerment Fund, the whole purpose of this new Real Estate scheme will be vain as the very landowners it is designed to target will be excluded from it.

A small land owner