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The underlying principles of Government’s policies towards the elderly are gratitude, respect and compassion. As announced by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Government aims to make a significantly positive difference in the lives of thousands of elderly, and consequently, the basic pensions are being increased to Rs 9,000 from 01 December 2019.

Today, the old age pension, raised by 71 percent, stands at Rs 6,210 compared to only Rs 3,623 in 2014. Monthly old age basic pension (BRP) as follows: 60 to 89 years – from Rs6,210 to Rs9,000; 90 to 99 years – from Rs16,210 to Rs16,710; and Centenarians – from Rs21,210 to Rs21,710.

The other pensions which will be increased are namely:

·         Basic Widow’s Pension and Basic Invalidity Pension from Rs6,210 to
Rs9,000 per month;

·         Basic Orphans Pension for those under 15 years not in full time education from Rs3,710 to Rs5,000 and those 3 years and up to 20 years in full time education from Rs5,210 to Rs7,000 per month; and

·         Carer’s Allowance and beneficiaries of BRP also drawing invalidity allowance from Rs3,000 to Rs3,500. Other allowances, namely Child Allowance, Guardian’s Allowance, Inmates Allowance as well as minimum contributory pensions are also being adjusted.

The Salazie Sheep Reproduction Farm which ceased its operations in 2006, has been reopened with the objective to increase the reproduction of sheep in Mauritius and give an additional boost to the sector.

The government wants to foster a new wave of import substitution industry and revive export-led production as regards agricultural and livestock sector.  

The per capita consumption of mutton is around 4.52 kg per year while sheep production in Mauritius is characterised mainly by small scale farms that rear up to 20 sheep

Two pedigree-certified rams and 30 breeding ewes were imported from South Africa and following a quantine period of 21 days, they were moved to the newly renovated farm. The first sheep will be available for sale to farmers at a subsidized cost in April 2020.

The Bank of Mauritius launched on 14 August 2019 “MauCas”, which is an electronic platform to facilitate cash transactions in the country. This “Mauritius Central Automated Switch” can lower transaction costs or even allow the development of innovative financial products and services: all for the good of the general public. 

At the launching ceremony, the Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth reiterated his vision of a “cashless society” to better secure financial transactions in Mauritius. He also announced the upcoming introduction of a “Central Bank Digital Currency”.

L’utilisation d’un certain type de brique permettrait de réduire la chaleur à l’intérieur des bâtiments. C’est ce que révèle une étude de la faculté de l’ingénierie de l’Université de Maurice.

Les chercheurs ont démontré que les briques sans base aident à baisser la température par 3 à 6 degrés. Cela est dû au fait que ces briques permettent à l’air de circuler à l’intérieur de la cavité murale. Tel n’est pas le cas pour les blocs de béton classiques.

Selon le Dr Mahendra Gooroochurn, l’industrie de la construction locale doit adopter des pratiques afin de créer des espaces intérieurs, thermiquement confortables. Ce qui conduirait à une baisse dans la consommation d’énergie.