Towards the Setting up of the MID Fund as a Full-fledged Statutory Body

GIS - Mar 17 , 2009:  The Maurice Ile Durable (MID) Fund should be set up by an Act of Parliament as a full-fledged statutory body and its objectives redefined to reflect a long-term vision incorporating both renewable energy and ecological dimensions.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities, Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun, G.C.S.K, made this statement yesterday at the launching of the MID Week at the University of Mauritius in Réduit.  In his address, he recalled that the MID Fund was set up in June 2008 under the Finance and Audit Act with the objectives of financing various schemes and programmes to reduce consumption of fossil fuels, achieve greater energy efficiency and encourage households and businesses to produce their own energy.

Dr. Beebeejaun further pointed out that the MID Fund has made provision for grants for solar water heaters and for the Central Electricity Board to provide compact fluorescent lamps.  However, he said, inherent weaknesses have been noted in the MID structure which does not correspond to the vision of MID and therefore the Fund will have to be reviewed.

For his part, the Minister of Environment and National Development Unit, Mr. Lormus Bundhoo, said that the MID project is a challenging undertaking.  He laid emphasis on capacity building and rapid acquisition of modern and affordable technology to attain the objective of reconciling environmental protection, energy management and self-sufficiency as well as economic development.

He listed out other measures outlined in the government’s national strategy for sustainable development. These comprise, amongst others, the Economic Reform Strategy, the Empowerment Programme, the National Environment Strategic Policy, the National Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production, the setting up of the Land Based Oceanic Industry and the Seafood Hub.