The Metro Express in Mauritius alleviates the burden on traffic and commuters. It seems to be an equitable development in the interest of the state. However, housing policies and prices, especially about real estate business seems far from being holistic and of a more capitalistic approach and nature.
The poverty gap has increased and will increase even more between majority of the Mauritian population and others, especially compared to potential foreign buyers aquiring relatively cheap residency through property house purchase that are not attainable by most Mauritians. Housing affordability and residential satisfaction not to mention about income disparity will altogether worsen segregation between 2 main classes of people in Mauritius, unless a significant drop in housing prices take place with an increase of income per capita.
The right way to measure this phenomenon would be possible only if the govt learn us about its approach, vision and commitment regarding these MDGs (Millenium Development Goals) attainment over the coming years. As aresult occupancy per house, I mean more than one house unit under a roof, will increase which will in turn further shoot up housing density. All these could be so compromising that it could push up the incidence of domestic violence and crime. With Covid 19, the projection of this gloomy future could be worse in the form of subtle modern apartheid under the hood of economic development rather than sustainable development. Other factors affecting this assumption are yet to be considered and scientific investigation is required.
Salonee Seewoobudul, (Sociologist/ Social Development Analyst)
