In order to reduce road congestion, Phase 2 of the Ring Road project will be relaunched.
The announcement was made this Thursday by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Navin Ramgoolam, during the presentation of the 2025-2026 budget in Parliament.
The Ring Road project in Mauritius, particularly the M4 motorway connecting Forbach to Plaisance, has faced significant opposition and was shelved due to environmental and political concerns.
Environmental Concerns
A major point of contention was the proposed route through the Ferney Valley, a biodiverse area home to endangered species such as the Mauritius Kestrel and rare plant species like Pandanus iceryi and Eugenia bojeri. Environmentalists and conservationists, including Vikash Tatayah from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, argued that the road would disrupt critical habitats and undermine conservation efforts. The valley had previously been considered for a road project in 2005 but was abandoned following public outcry and ecological concerns .
Political Response
In 2005, then-Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam halted the project, stating that proceeding would have been an “incredible ecological disaster.” The government recognized the importance of preserving the unique biodiversity of Ferney Valley over facilitating quicker access to tourist resorts.
Ongoing Debates
Despite the project’s shelving, discussions about alternative routes and the necessity of the motorway continue. While some argue that improved infrastructure is essential for economic development, others emphasize the need to balance progress with environmental preservation.
The project is being revived again this financial year with new budget, let’s see how much it really takes off.