Finance and Development Magazine: Keynes for Our Times

M4 motorway project sparks debate in Parliament over cost and environmental concerns

The proposed M4 motorway, a 29.7-kilometer project connecting Forbach and Bel-Air, is set to begin construction before the end of 2026, with work expected to last 30 months. National Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness announced the timeline during a site visit with India's High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, and representatives from Exim Bank of India. The government views the M4 as essential for developing the East and managing increased traffic. However, Member of Parliament Joanna Bérenger has challenged the 10.8 billion rupee expenditure, citing difficult budgetary conditions and questioning the project's environmental studies and economic justification. The M4 aims to provide a direct link between the North and Eastern towns, featuring a dual two-lane carriageway. An extension to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is also under consideration. Gunness asserts that all regulatory requirements, including environmental considerations, will be met. During a parliamentary session on July 21, Bérenger questioned Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Navin Ramgoolam about the project, highlighting the contradiction between calls for public spending rationalization and the significant investment in the M4, especially given the need to absorb additional social expenses like old-age pensions. She also raised concerns that environmental assessments still need completion or validation, despite the initial route being revised to avoid sensitive areas lik