2024-12-30 17:11:00
Rebuild Mayotte in two years. This is the objective of Prime Minister François Bayrou, who illustrated on Monday 30 December at around 4.30pm a plan to “restore” the archipelago devastated by Cyclone Chido, which caused at least 39 deaths and 4,000 injuries. He set foot on the island on Monday, at the head of an impressive ministerial delegation, with the promise of an aid plan called “Mayotte standing”, aimed at “providing rapid responses, elaborated after a day of dialogue”, while the residents they were waiting for concrete answers from the government “The Mahoraites often have the feeling that what we give them are assurances, nice words of solidarity in declarations, but what they want, is real,” he introduced at the beginning of the day.
Several main themes were illustrated by the Prime Minister of the Mayotte Departmental Council, accompanied by ministers Elisabeth Borne (Education) and Manuel Valls (Overseas). The measures will be the subject of an “urgency bill” which will be presented and then discussed in Parliament “within fifteen days”. A draft “law on the re-foundation program” of the archipelago will be “prepared and designed with the elected representatives of Mayotte and will be finalized within three months”, added François Bayrou.
Restoration of water and electricity production in homes
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François Bayrou called for electricity to be “restored to every home at the end of January”. He announced “a reinforcement of 200 officers to achieve this objective”. By then, EDF will have a total of “200 generators, around ten per municipality” to operate the “essential equipment”. Furthermore, “20 EDF technicians will arrive as reinforcements during the week to organize commandos (technicians)” in each municipality and intervene on “breakages in the low voltage network”.
To facilitate access to telecommunications, the Prime Minister also announced the deployment of 200 Starlink antennas. 5G will also be implemented in the territory by the end of June and the Mayotte law provides for the allocation of 50 million euros for the implementation of optical fiber in the territory in the long term.
In terms of access to water, the Prime Minister promised a return to pre-cyclone drinking water production levels of 38,000 m3 “by the end of the week”. The budget of the Water Plan, which provides 60 million euros for 2025, will be “protected and increased if necessary”. The project for a second desalination plant will also be studied in the spring.
No reconstruction of the slums
The State and local public authorities are committed to “preventing the reconstruction of the slums” of Mayotte, the Prime Minister said, specifying that such provisions could be “enshrined in law”.
An emergency plan to protect public and residential buildings from water must also be quickly adopted. The head of government promised the delivery of “140 tons of tarpaulins within the week”, which will be added “to the 100 tons of tarpaulins already delivered”, followed by deliveries of structural materials and sheet metal.
Mahorese families will be offered “state-guaranteed loans” and “hired by the Banque des Territoires” to finance the reconstruction. These loans are “reserved for large-scale natural disasters like the one in Chido,” underlined François Bayrou.
The delayed start of the school year
“Since the return to school cannot take place under normal conditions, it will take place in an adapted manner, institution by institution, starting from January 13,” the Prime Minister said. For some students, “temporary school could be organized in France,” he assured.
A “vigilance plan” has been launched.
François Bayrou announced on Monday the launch of a “vigilance plan” in Mayotte that brings together the army and the gendarmerie to “monitor” schools in the face of threats of fire and looting.
“We cannot let schools, high schools and colleges be looted every day or, even worse, burned, because that is exactly what we saw today,” the head of government declared. A few minutes earlier, the mayor of Mamoudzou Ambdilwahedou Soumaila had deplored the fact that a republican school had been “burned”, transformed into an emergency reception center for two weeks.
Humanitarian material transported
The government transported 2.5 tonnes of humanitarian material on its plane destined for the Mahorais, Franceinfo has learned from Matignon. This cargo includes water purification tablets, equipment for providing treatment and equipment for dialysis patients.
François Bayrou also announced in Mayotte a “suspension of social contributions for all businesses until March 31” and “emergency financial aid for all businesses up to 20% of average turnover”, i.e. up to 20,000 euros.
The airport will reopen on January 1st
Mayotte airport will reopen to commercial flights “from January 1st”, announced François Bayrou. Tomorrow the repatriations of the inhabitants of Mayotte “kept outside France due to the catastrophe” will begin, the prime minister said.
Other measures planned in the long term
This plan will precede other long-term measures. “There will be a second phase within a few months. It is a long-term plan, because it is not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was. It is about planning the future of Mayotte, a different one,” added Prime Minister.
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Discussion between time.news Editor and Expert on Mayotte’s Reconstruction Post-Cyclone Chido
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the reconstruction plans for Mayotte following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Prime Minister françois Bayrou has outlined a two-year plan to restore the archipelago. What are your thoughts on the proposed timeline and objectives?
Expert: The two-year timeline is aspiring but necessary, given the significant impact of Cyclone chido, which resulted in the loss of life and thousands of injuries. The focus on swift action, like the “Mayotte standing” aid plan, is essential as residents have expressed their frustration with merely receiving reassurances from the goverment. They wont concrete, actionable solutions.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the Minister emphasized dialog with local residents. What specific measures do you believe will be most effective in addressing the immediate needs for water and electricity restoration?
Expert: Restoring electricity to every home by the end of January is a critical step. The reinforcement of 200 officers and the deployment of generators indicate a well-structured approach to tackle this issue. Similarly, the promise to restore pre-cyclone drinking water production levels by the end of the week is crucial for public health. Long-term adaptations, such as plans for a second desalination plant and the deployment of 5G and optical fiber, show a commitment to modernizing infrastructure as well.
Time.news Editor: There is also a strong stance against the reconstruction of slums. Do you think this will be effective in the long run, and how might it impact community dynamics?
Expert: This is a contentious issue. Preventing the reconstruction of slums could help address urban planning and public health challenges in Mayotte, but it must be handled sensitively. The government needs to provide viable alternatives for housing to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are not left without shelter.If managed properly,it could lead to more enduring living conditions.
Time.news Editor: An emergency plan is also in place to protect public and residential buildings. How quickly do you foresee these initiatives being implemented?
Expert: The commitment to deliver tarpaulins and structural materials soon is encouraging. Swift delivery of these resources can provide immediate relief to affected populations. Essential measures must be implemented within weeks, and continuous monitoring will be required to assess the effectiveness and adapt plans as needed.
Time.news Editor: with the impending urgency bill to be discussed in Parliament,how crucial is legislative support for these initiatives?
Expert: Legislative backing is vital. It ensures that the necessary funding is allocated and that recovery efforts are enforceable and sustainable. Engaging with local representatives can also help tailor solutions that truly reflect the needs of the Mahoraites. Clear legal frameworks can also aid in preventing issues such as slum reconstruction while ensuring that affected communities have access to essential services.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. It’s clear that while the challenges are immense, proactive measures and community engagement are crucial for Mayotte’s recovery and growth.