Despite the riots against the high cost of living that shook Mauritius last month, the authorities have decided on new increases in certain prices: since yesterday, public transport has become more expensive. An inevitable increase, explained the Minister of Transport. The population fears a new surge in prices after this decision.
With our correspondent in Port-Louis, Abdoollah Earally
At Rose-Hill station, the mood is irritating this Saturday afternoon, May 7. The increase in the bus ticket, effective since the morning, adds to a long list of increases that Mauritians suffer month after month. For Sylvain, a 22-year-old worker, life becomes untenable: “ A sachet of sugar went up from 50 rupees to Rs 75. Gasoline went up twice. How is it possible ? Frankly, I will not vote for this government. »
The price of the bus and tram ticket has increased between 25% and 40%. An inevitable increase to avoid the crash of public transport, explained the Minister of Transport, Alan Ganoo, who promises, however, a control of food prices. ” Yes to certain price controls. The government has invested one billion rupees to control food prices. A billion rupees on two occasions. Yes, the government has some responsibility, but it is a situation that is not under our control. But we are very aware and sensitive to what is happening in the country “, he argues.
Mauritius offers many social benefits to its population. Education is free from school to university, as well as health services and transport for students and seniors.
Since 2018, the government has introduced the minimum wage. But the monthly rate of 11,000 rupees, or 240 euros, is no longer acceptable today, according to Mosadeq Sahebdin, president of the Consumer Advocacy Platform, a consumer defense association: “ The minimum wage has greatly helped households at the bottom of the scale, but with soaring prices, the level of the minimum wage 11 000 rupees has become insufficient. We believe it will need to be revamped to at least 18,000 rupees. »
The government is actively consulting economic and social actors to present the national budget to the population in a few weeks. An exercise that has rarely been so complex in the history of the island, moreover in the deteriorating social climate.