11 - MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY
AND FOOD SECURITY
11.1 Land Use Division
The Land Use Division (LUD) of the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security is
currently managing state agricultural land of a total extent of 9,129 arpents, including
298 arpents of land obtained under an agreement with the Mauritius Sugar Producers
Association (MSPA). It is responsible, amongst others, for the drafting of agricultural lease
agreements and collecting of rents accruing therefrom.
11.1.1 Allocation of Land
In order to adopt a holistic approach towards land utilisation, a Committee was set up at the
level of the Ministry to examine applications and to make recommendations for allocation of
land.
The following were observed:
 Notes of meetings were neither signed nor approved at the next Committee meeting.
 Applications for State Land and recommendations of the Committee could not always be
traced, as in the following cases:

Some 9.1 arpents of Pas Geometriques at Ile D’Ambre were allocated to two
beneficiaries for crop production for a period of seven years starting 25 September
2014. Both plots of land fall under the purview of the LUD. However, the
recommendations of the Committee were not seen.

10 arpents of Pas Geometriques at Roches Noires were allocated to an Agricultural
Cooperative Society for the setting up of a nursery for fruit and vegetable production.
The file kept at the Ministry’s level in respect of this Cooperative Society was not
made available. As such, both the application and the recommendation were not
produced.
Given that the plot of land was mostly covered with filao trees and that the lease
agreement stipulated that no felling of trees was allowed on the land, the granting of
lease for the purpose of setting up a nursery for fruit and vegetable production, was not
understood as the condition of the lease agreement would probably not be respected.

The recommendation for the allocation of 23.96 arpents of MSPA land at Bel Etang,
was not produced.
Recommendations
 Notes/minutes of meetings should be duly signed and approved.
 All applications for State Land, as well as recommendations/approval for ultimate
allocation, need to be properly filed and safeguarded.
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Ministry’s Reply
Normally, the notes of meeting are never signed and the agenda is included in the convocation
letter. All notes of meeting will, henceforth, bear the signature of the Chairperson of the
Committee. For proper monitoring, the State Land Unit will have its own recording system. A
copy of the approval sheet will be recorded in each individual file.
11.1.2 MSPA Lands Scheme
An Agreement was signed, in April 2008, between Government and the MSPA whereby sugar
cane land of an extent of 2,000 arpents would be granted to Government by Corporate
Planters who are members of the MSPA. Land would be released as and when required during
the period of the lease, which is valid up to 31 December 2017.
Following Government decision in March 2013, the responsibility for the acquisition of
MSPA land was transferred to the Ministry. Of the 2,000 arpents of land, 1,214 arpents were
to be allocated for agricultural projects and the remaining extent of land was earmarked for
housing and other social infrastructural projects.
As of April 2015, out of the 1,214 arpents to be allocated for agricultural projects, only an
extent of 460 arpents had so far been acquired.
Acquisition procedures had started for another 657 arpents. Survey Reports regarding some
560 of the 657 arpents were still being awaited. Since 2013, the Ministry had already
addressed its requests, for consideration by the MSPA, in respect of the remaining 97 arpents.
As of 30 April 2015, some 32 months prior to the expiry of the Agreement, 62 per cent of the
extent of land to be allocated for agricultural projects had yet to be finalised.
The Ministry deplored that land already made available under the Agreement was marginal
one, which had required investment on its part to improve the physical soil characteristics.
Recommendation
The Ministry should ensure that the acquisition of land as agreed between Government and
the MSPA be finalised and completed by the due date of the Agreement. It should also liaise
with the MSPA to obtain land of improved quality.
Ministry’s Reply
Procedures are well engaged for the acquisition of another lot of 657 arpents, out of which
deeds of sale for 473 arpents are being finalised at the level of Notary Public.
Criteria for Allocation of MSPA Land
The Committee, set up to consider applications for State Land, at its meeting of 14 June 2012,
finalised the evaluation criteria for the allocation of MSPA lands.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
Prior to that date, an extent of some 188 arpents of land located at Rouge Terre, L’Esperance,
St Hubert and Mare D’Albert had been allocated to some 40 beneficiaries, without clearly
defined/established evaluation criteria.
Ministry’s Reply
Land at Rouge Terre, L’Esperance, St Hubert and Mare D’Albert, covering a total extent of
188 arpents was acquired in 2010 and allocated to 40 Co-operative Societies/Agro-leased
companies on basis of the profile of project promoter/s, experience of members of
Co-operative Societies in proposed agricultural activity, feasibility of project proposals,
relevance of proposed activities of food security, distance of promoter’s/applicant’s place of
residence with respect to land being allocated and the financial/Investment capacity of
promoters.
11.1.3 Management of Agricultural State Land
As of January 2015, the status of the 9,129 arpents of agricultural State Land managed by the
LUD, was as shown in Table 11-1.
Table 11-1 Status of Agricultural State Land
Acreage (Arpents)
Not
Abandoned
Available
Status of Lease
Occupied
Valid
Expired & Not
Renewed
2,617.34
1,025.62
252.25
3,895.21
3,743.44
599.25
69.79
4,412.48
133.78
677.10
10.34
821.22
6,494.56
2,301.97
332.38
9,128.91
Not Signed
Total
Total
Source: Land Use Division
Of the 3,895.21 arpents of land, for which there were signed lease agreements, nearly
1,026 arpents were reported to be abandoned.
The lease agreements of some 3,743 arpents had already expired and were not yet renewed
though the plots of land were reported to be occupied.
Recommendation
The Ministry should ascertain that prompt action is taken to retrieve the land in respect of
beneficiaries not adhering to the condition of lease, such as abandoned land, and that there is a
duly signed lease agreement for all cases of occupied land.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
Ministry’s Reply
Many sugarcane planters have kept their land abandoned due to delay in the implementation
of the Field Operation Regrouping Irrigation Project (FORIP). In cases where the planters are
not concerned with the FORIP, the Ministry had already initiated actions to retrieve
600 arpents of land representing 284 lessees.
11.1.4 Non Compliance with State Lands Act
At paragraph 11.4.2 of the Audit Report for the year ended 31 December 2013, I reported that
contrary to the requirement of the State Lands and Cadastral Survey Acts, the majority of
lease files kept at the LUD did not have an individual descriptive survey plan, but there were,
instead, layout plans and site plans that dated back to 1980. Since October 2012, reference to
an individual descriptive survey and Parcel Identification Number (PIN) is mandatory for all
new lease agreements.
Between October 2012 and February 2015, a total of 794 lease agreements had been drawn
without an individual descriptive survey plan and a PIN, as required by law. Of these, 306
agreements had already been signed. However, as of 30 April 2015, beneficiaries had still not
been allocated their land for occupation, as the individual survey plan had not yet been
finalised.
In November 2012, it was proposed to enlist the service of Surveyors of the Ministry of
Housing and Lands (MOHL) to carry out an extensive survey of all land currently under the
purview of the Ministry. As of 30 April 2015,
 Most of the lease agreements kept at the LUD still did not have an individual descriptive
survey plan and PIN. There were only 109 plots to which a PIN had been assigned and
individual survey plans were finalised for only 250 plots.
 The Ministry was still in negotiation with the MOHL for the services of Land Surveyors.
Recommendation
The Ministry should abide by the above legal requirements. It should ascertain that an
individual survey plan is drawn and a PIN assigned at the earliest for all cases of lease
agreements.
Ministry’s Reply
Consultations with the MOHL have reached an advanced stage. The Terms of Reference for
the survey works have already been agreed by both parties.
11.1.5 Illegal Construction on State Land Leased for Agricultural Purpose
At paragraph 11.4.4 of the Audit Report for the year ended 31 December 2013, I drew
attention that 12 lessees had illegally constructed concrete buildings between 90 m 2 and
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
1,140 m2 on land leased to them at Petit Sable, Grand Sable, Pointe aux Feuilles, Elysee and
Terre Rouge. The LUD had ceased to renew their lease agreements since 2002, except for that
of Terre Rouge which will expire in 2029. The Ministry had sought the views of the MOHL
as to the course of action to follow. As of 30 April 2015, a reply from the MOHL was still
being awaited.
Ministry’s Reply
A reply from MOHL is being awaited.
Terre Rouge Land Settlement
A lessee was granted, in August 2011, a second lease of 3.75 arpents (Lot B) adjacent to his
previously allocated land of 4.75 arpents (Lot A), although it was found during a site visit in
May 2011 that he had illegally constructed a building of approximately 600 m2 on lot A.
During a site visit carried out on 14 April 2014 by Officers of LUD at lot B, it was found that
a concrete building was under construction, and works for the casting of roof slab were in
progress.
On 2 March 2015, following another site visit by Officers of LUD, it was reported that they
did not have access to the leased lands, as both plots were fenced with rock wall and heavy
duty gates. The lessee was thereafter contacted on several occasions for a visit, but to no avail.
Recommendations
Cases of illegal construction need to be dealt with promptly. Penalty/corrective action should
be rigorously applied by the Ministry. I reiterate the need for frequent site visits for early
detection of any breach of terms and conditions of lease agreements.
Ministry’s Reply
Henceforth, all cases of illegal construction will be dealt with promptly.
11.1.6 Illegal Occupation
At paragraph 11.4.3 of the Audit Report for the year ended 31 December 2013, I mentioned
that since March 2006, a Cooperative Society had stopped paying rent for an extent of
86 arpents at La Brasserie. The lease was for a period of 10 years starting March 1998, at an
annual rent of Rs 129,000.
Upon expiry of the lease agreement in March 2008, the lease had not been renewed though the
land was continuously being occupied. The extent was reduced from 86 arpents to
61.98 arpents as from July 2009. Amount owed for the period March 2006 until the expiry of
the lease agreement, that is, March 2008 was Rs 258,000. As of 30 April 2015, the arrears of
Rs 258,000 had not yet been settled and the new lease agreement was still not drawn.
The lessee was allowed to occupy nearly 62 arpents of agricultural state land for about seven
years without a duly signed lease agreement and payment of rent.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
Had a lease agreement been drawn in March 2008, the amount collectible from the lessee
would have been some Rs 850,000 for the period March 2006 to December 2014. In the
absence of a signed agreement, the Ministry may not be able to claim the additional amount of
Rs 592,000.
Recommendation
Renewal of lease agreements and recovery of rental should be properly monitored.
Ministry’s Reply
The lessee has accepted to settle the rent due from April 2009 to May 2015. The case is being
processed.
11.1.7 Revision of Annual Rental
Undue delay had been noted in revising the annual rental of the 33 beneficiaries of State Land
at Arsenal and Bois Marchand who were still paying an annual rental of Rs 120 instead of the
prescribed rate of Rs 1,500 for ‘irrigation land’ and the nine beneficiaries who were leasing
some 4,700 m2 of concrete buildings within the 141 arpents of agricultural state land allocated
to them
Recommendation
The Ministry should not further delay revision of rental.
11.1.8 Arrears of Revenue - Rs 7,403,483
Arrears of revenue as of 31 December 2014 amounted to Rs 7,403,483. This represented a
decrease of some 20 per cent compared to 2013. According to the Return of Arrears submitted
to the Accountant General’s Department, total amount collected from July to December 2014
and total arrears as of 31 December 2014 were stated at Rs 4,555,838 and
Rs 7,403,483 instead of Rs 2,582,209 and Rs 6,137,069 respectively.
The Return also included an adjustment of Rs 2,326,242, for which no details were made
available.
Recommendation
The Ministry should exercise more control over computation of arrears and ascertain the
correctness of the figures for inclusion in Accountant General’s Report.
Ministry’s Reply
Henceforth, more control over the computation of arrears will be effected.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
11.2 Division of Veterinary Services
The Division of Veterinary Services (DVS) of the Ministry comprises five main Units
namely, the Ambulatory Veterinary Services, Reproduction Unit, Control of Stray Animals
Unit, Animal Disease Surveillance Unit and the Animal Welfare Unit.
11.2.1 Ambulatory Veterinary Services
Ambulatory Veterinary Services, are provided on a 24 hourly basis by the DVS to animal
breeders, mainly of cattle, goats, pigs and poultry. During office hours (9 a.m to 3.15 p.m), the
services are provided at four regional Sub Offices, namely, at Abercrombie, Saint Pierre,
Flacq and Rose Belle. After office hours, emergency cases are reported at the DVS
Headquarters, in Reduit and are attended to by Veterinary Officers (VOs) on call.
Evaluation of Services Provided
In addition to the Free Drug Scheme, the Ambulatory Veterinary Services also provide for the
supply of vaccines, and diagnostic services at the breeder’s farm.
During the period July 2008 to 31 December 2014, the Ministry had spent some Rs 23 million
on veterinary drugs and products.
An evaluation of the services provided by the DVS had, so far, not been carried out. This
exercise would have allowed the DVS to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the service
provided. Feedbacks from breeders are useful in order to improve the quality of services
offered to breeders and to the public in general.
Ministry’s Reply
The recommendation made for an evaluation is taken on board.
Animal’s Health Cards
6,000 Animal Health Cards were printed, for distribution to breeders, in March 2014.
However, the DVS did not have a list of Registered Breeders.
The purpose of keeping the Animal Health Cards was to keep a record of the health status of
each animal, the problems encountered by them, the treatment provided and drugs
administered to them. As of 31 May 2015, some 4,000 cards had yet to be distributed.
Ministry’s Reply
 The necessary amendment to the legislation is being made to provide for the registration
of breeders.
 For follow up of health status of each animal, ARIS II is being implemented, while smart
phone technologies are being envisaged in collaboration with Animal Risk Ocean Indien
Project.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
Control over Veterinary Drugs and Products
Significant amount is being spent by the Ministry, in terms of veterinary drugs and products
for the Ambulatory Veterinary Services. Control thereon, however, was not adequate, as
illustrated below:
 Requests for drugs/products, to be used by the VOs to perform their duties, were made
verbally to the Stores of the DVS. The latter, then, prepared the necessary Goods Forms to
support the issue of these drugs/products. However, same were, in most cases, not
authorised by a Senior Officer of the DVS. In some cases, receipts had not been
acknowledged by VOs.
 Drugs, in the custody of VOs, were not stored in appropriate conditions. They were, most
of the time, stored in the VOs vehicles and exposed to heat.
 For control purposes, Drug Books and Clinical Sheets were issued to VOs to record,
amongst others, receipt of drugs from the DVS Store and their distribution/issues to
breeders. However, same were in most cases not verified by Senior Officers of the DVS.
There was also no evidence that survey of drugs in the custody of VOs had been carried
out; hence, defeating the purpose of keeping the Drug Book and the Clinical Sheets.
 Issues of drugs are also made directly to breeders calling at the DVS Headquarters in
Reduit upon presentation of a Prescription Form, duly issued by VOs. However, control
over these Prescription Forms was also not adequate. Cases were noted where the
signatures of VOs were missing on the Prescription Forms, items of drugs had been added
on the Prescription Forms in different handwritings. In several cases, a memorandum was
used to support the issue drugs to breeders, instead of the appropriate Prescription Forms.
At times, drugs were issued, following instructions given on phone by VOs and thereafter
a memorandum was drawn and signed by the Officer issuing the drugs. Some Prescription
Forms had not been produced although issues of drugs had been made.
 The DVS Store was under the responsibility of an Officer who was involved in the
receipts and issues of drugs/products, keeping records thereof and responsible for
warehousing of these drugs/products. Due to the absence of segregation of duties, the risk
of misappropriation of veterinary drugs and products could not be ignored.
Recommendations
 There should be clearly laid down procedures for the issue of drugs. Requests for drugs
should be duly authorized and receipts need to be acknowledged.
 Arrangements could be made to issue stocks of drugs/products to Sub Offices, where same
could be issued to VOs in limited quantities. Appropriate storage facilities need to be
provided at these Sub Offices.
 The Ministry needs to ensure that records, kept for control purposes, are complete,
properly kept and are independently verified.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
 Instructions should be given by the Ministry to ensure that Prescription Forms are used in
all cases to support issues of drugs/products and that they are properly filled in. The
Ministry could also consider introducing Prescription Forms which are pre-numbered.
 To enhance control, the duties of Officers of the DVS Stores need to be segregated.
Ministry’s Reply
 Procedures for the proper issue of drugs have now been worked out.
 Necessary measures are being taken for the appropriate storage of veterinary drugs.
 Corrective measures will be taken as recommended in respect of Drug Books and Clinical
Sheets.
 The proposal in respect of Prescription Forms will be considered.
 The recommendation regarding the segregation of duties will be implemented.
11.2.2 Reproduction Unit
The main activities of the Reproduction Unit of the DVS are to provide Artificial
Insemination (AI) service and Pregnancy Diagnosis for cows, on application at the
Headquarters or at regional Sub-Offices. At the Reproduction Unit, semen from bulls are to be
collected, processed and conserved.
The following were noted:
 The Reproduction Unit of the DVS has an Artificial Insemination Laboratory for the
production of semen. However, this Laboratory has not been in operation since several
years. Most of the laboratory equipment found therein was not being used. Maintenance
was also not being carried out thereon.
 Given that semen are no longer produced by the AI Laboratory, same are being acquired
from both overseas and locally. For the past three years, the Ministry had disbursed a total
of some Rs 1 million for the purchase of frozen semen.
 Records for the stock of semen were not properly kept. Except for the month of October
2014, the quantity of semen straws issued by the Reproduction Unit during 2014 was
greater than the number of AI performed. A reconciliation had not been carried out.
 Seven bulls were kept for the production of semen. Of these, four bulls were sold/died.
The remaining three bulls had not produced semen for years. Rearing these bulls is costing
the Ministry some Rs 600,000 annually for the supply of animal feed, fresh fodder and
overtime of three Stockmen responsible for taking daily care of the bulls. The Ministry is,
therefore, spending money without deriving any benefit from keeping the bulls.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
Recommendations
The Ministry needs to come up with a decision as to whether or not to proceed with the
production of semen locally. Assets such as the AI laboratory and its equipment, if remaining
unutilised for long, may run the risk of deterioration.
A decision also needs to be taken regarding the three bulls.
Ministry’s Reply
The Ministry will shortly take a decision regarding the production of semen.
The three bulls will be replaced by Creole Breed bulls for genetic conservation project
11.2.3 Control of Stray Animals Unit
A sterilization campaign was initiated in 2006 by the DVS with the objective to sterilize
dogs/cats at national level. In order to deliver the sterilization service, two caravans and two
double cabs were provided to the DVS.
The caravans are equipped with the necessary surgery equipment, consumables for surgery
and protective equipment. The first caravan and the double cab used to pull it were acquired in
2006. In 2013, a second equipped caravan was acquired for an amount of Rs 1,495,000.
Only the newly bought caravan is being used for the sterilization campaign. The first caravan,
though in good condition, had not been used since June 2014 and was left in the open yard of
the DVS, exposed to the inclemencies of weather.
As of April 2015, some 100 requests for dogs/cats sterilization had still not been attended to at
the Flacq Sub Office. Some of these requests dated as far back as February 2015.
Ministry’s Reply
 Both caravans will henceforth be used optimally.
 Requests for sterilization by the public will be attended within reasonable delay.
11.3 Grant to Statutory Bodies
The Ministry has various Statutory Bodies under its aegis. Funds are provided by the Ministry
to these Statutory Bodies to meet their capital and recurrent expenditure.
Funds for a total amount of some Rs 290 million, disbursed by the Ministry to three Statutory
Bodies, had remained outside the framework of parliamentary accountability. As required by
Law, the Ministry was not in the presence of their Annual Reports and audited Financial
Statements, to be laid before the National Assembly.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
11.3.1 Irrigation Authority
Subsequent to paragraph 11.2 of the Audit Report for the year ended 31 December 2013, the
Ministry received Annual Reports, inclusive of audited financial statements, of the Irrigation
Authority (IA) for the period July 2006 to December 2010.
For the period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013, the Ministry disbursed Rs 279,280,275
to the IA for its recurrent and capital expenditure. The Annual Reports and the audited
financial statements for the same period were not submitted to the Ministry.
IA informed the Ministry that its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011
had already been audited and were awaiting approval of IA Board. Financial statements for
the years 2012 and 2013 had been prepared and will be audited once those of year 2011 have
been approved by IA Board.
Funds of some Rs 279 million released by the Ministry to IA, for the period 1 January 2011 to
31 December 2013, had remained outside the framework of parliamentary accountability.
11.3.2 Tea Board
The Tea Industry Control Act, under which Tea Board was established as a body corporate,
was repealed following the enactment of the National Agricultural Products Regulatory Office
(NAPRO) Act 2013. The Statutory Bodies (Accounts and Audit) Act was also amended by
deleting ‘Tea Board’ under Part II of the First Schedule and Part I of the Second Schedule,
with effect from 26 November 2013.
NAPRO is a division within the Ministry which aims at the integration of the Tea Board, the
Tobacco Board and regulatory functions of the Mauritius Meat Authority. NAPRO is
operational since 26 November 2013.
For its last year of operation, the Ministry disbursed Rs 4 million to the Tea Board for its
recurrent expenditure. The Ministry was not in the presence of the Annual Report and audited
financial statements for the period 1 January to 25 November 2013.
Funds of Rs 4 million released by the Ministry to Tea Board had remained outside the
framework of parliamentary accountability
11.3.3 Former Mauritius Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The former Mauritius Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) was a body
corporate established under the MSPCA Act. It received annual grant from the Ministry for its
recurrent expenditure. One of the conditions stipulated in its Annual Memorandum for Grant
In Aid was ‘rendition to Government within 6 months of the close of the Beneficiary’s
financial year, the annual statements of the Beneficiary, certified by the Beneficiary’s
Auditors, together with the report showing, inter alia, the receipt of the grant from
Government’
With the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act in October 2013, the MSPCA Act was
repealed and the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW) was established. Financial
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
statements for the year 2014 were submitted for audit, but MSAW was requested to submit a
new set of financial statements to comply with certain statutory requirements.
Rs 7 million were granted to the former MSPCA during the period 1 January 2012 to
29 October 2013. The Ministry was not in presence of the audited financial statements for that
period from the former MSPCA.
Funds of Rs 7 million released by the Ministry from 1 January 2012 to 29 October 2013 had,
thus, remained outside the framework of parliamentary accountability.
Ministry’s Reply
Irrigation Authority. The audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2011
have been approved by the IA Board on 14 May 2015. The financial statements for the year
ended 31 December 2012 are presently being audited whilst those for the year ended
31 December 2013 have been prepared and will be audited once that of the year 2012 will be
approved by the IA Board. The next Annual Report of the IA will cover the period 2011 to
2013 and will include financial statements for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Tea Board. The ex-Tea Board ceased to operate on 25 November 2013. All its assets and
liabilities have been vested in Government. As the NAPRO operates as a Regulatory Body, it
does not have the logistics to prepare financial statements. Necessary arrangements will
therefore be made to prepare the financial statements.
Former MSPCA/MSAW. The financial statements for the years 2012 and 2013 have been
prepared and arrangements have been made by the MSAW for a private audit firm to audit the
accounts. The financial statements for the year 2014 are being amended.
11.4 Mass Sterilisation Project for Dogs
Following a first island-wide survey on the number of street dogs present in the island in July
2013 and a second door to door survey in December 2013 to determine the number of owned
dogs, a mass sterilization programme was to be conducted by an international animal
protection organisation, in collaboration with the Ministry, through the Mauritius Society for
Animal Welfare (MSAW).
A two-phased approach was adopted to humanely manage the overpopulation of dogs. The
first phase of the project consisted in carrying out a pilot testing in the region of Grand
Bay/Mont Choisy for a period of three months. Based on the effectiveness and efficiency of
the pilot testing, the mass sterilization would be extended to the whole island as the second
phase.
The pilot project, with an initial estimated cost of some Rs 4 million, would be financed by
the Ministry. The project started in mid-October 2014.
Up to December 2014, Rs 2,257,670 were disbursed by the Ministry, in respect of
accommodation, salaries of staff of the international organisation, air tickets, veterinary
supplies and others, for the implementation of the pilot project. Included in the above sum,
were Rs 1 million which had been transferred to MSAW to meet expenses in relation to the
project.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
In addition to the above costs, vehicles, namely a caravan and a double cab of the Ministry
were attached to the Sterilization Team.
In March 2015, the Ministry decided not to go ahead with the project as no consensus had
been reached between the Ministry and the international organisation regarding the
Memorandum of Understanding.
The Ministry had disbursed a sum of about Rs 2.2 million without a modus operandi for the
implementation of the pilot project.
About 56 per cent of the total cost for the pilot project had been spent, yet no substantial
benefit had been derived.
Before disbursement of fund for any project, the Ministry needs to ensure that the terms and
conditions of funding or assistance had been formally set and agreed.
Ministry’s Reply
The project was undertaken on a pilot basis in collaboration with the international
organization. However, the collaboration is being reviewed and the Ministry is considering to
undertake the programme with local Veterinary Officers and the MSAW. A final decision
will be taken shortly.
11.5 Salle de Decoupe
In order to respond to the request of pig breeders, the Ministry intended to set up a modern
Salle de Decoupe in an existing building situated in the compound of the Mauritius Meat
Authority (MMA) located at Roche Bois.
In 2013, the Ministry disbursed Rs 1,015,075 for the renovation and extension of the existing
building, to be converted into a Salle de Decoupe. The works were carried out both during and
after normal working hours. Overtime totalling Rs 417,927 had been paid for the period
September to November 2013. In 2014, additional expenses relating to the renovation and
extension works amounted to Rs 156,513. Resurfacing of existing parking area at MMA,
Roche Bois for the Salle de Decoupe was also undertaken at a cost of Rs 256,500 in July
2014.
For the Salle de Decoupe to be operational, the Ministry had to acquire new refrigeration
equipment. On 11 December 2013, bid for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning
of new refrigeration equipment had to be cancelled due to a major change in specifications.
Specifications were reviewed and fresh bid was launched on 23 January 2014. The two bids
received were found to be non-responsive by the Bid Evaluation Committee in June 2014.
A year had already lapsed, yet the new refrigeration equipment had not been acquired, and
new bid exercise had not been conducted.
Although a total amount of Rs 1,846,015 had been disbursed by the Ministry, the Salle de
Decoupe could not be operational due to the delay in acquiring refrigeration equipment.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY
The Ministry needs to take the necessary steps in order not to further delay the acquisition of
the new refrigeration equipment for the operation of the modern Salle de Decoupe.
Ministry’s Reply
It has been decided that the MMA will take over the Salle de Decoupe. However,
confirmation from MMA is still being awaited. Once the new management of MMA confirms
its agreement to take over the Salle de Decoupe, tenders for the acquisition of the refrigeration
equipment will be launched.
11.6 Food Technology Laboratory- Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Unit
At paragraph 11.1 of my Audit Report for the year ending 31 December 2013, I reported that
the GMO Unit of the Ministry was still not fully operational. A proper Legal Framework was
to be put in place to enable the GMO Unit to carry out fully its activities. The Ministry had,
so far, disbursed Rs 5.6 million on equipment specifically purchased for the GMO Unit.
As of 31 May 2015, the required legislation had yet to be finalised. Most of the equipment
acquired had not been optimally put to use.
The National Biosafety Committee (NBC), which was mandated to look into the regulations
pertaining to the GMO Act, was reconstituted in May 2014. The main task of the NBC was,
in the first instance, to review and to fine-tune regulations and guidelines to support the GMO
Act. In March 2015, the NBC proposed various recommendations for amendments to
legislations, regulations and guidelines. Meetings of the NBC are ongoing before proceeding
with the regulations and amendments to the Act.
Further delay, in the finalization of the GMO Act 2004, would hinder the smooth functioning
of the GMO Unit.
Ministry’s Reply
Three Regulations, namely the Genetically Modified Organism (Labelling and Identification
of the Genetically Modified Organisms) Regulations 2015, the Genetically Modified
Organisms (Consignment in Transit) Regulations 2015 and the Genetically Modified
Organisms (Fees) Regulations 2015 have been finalized by the NBC. These Regulations will
be submitted shortly to the Attorney General’s Office for vetting, after which the relevant
Sections of the GMO Act 2004 will be proclaimed.
Pending the proclamation of the GMO Act 2004, decision has been taken by the Ministry for
the staff of the GMO Unit to carry out tests on a pilot basis on a number of products to
determine whether those products are GMO’s. Hence, the equipment will now be fully
utilized.
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MINISTRY OF AGRO-INDUSTRY AND FOOD SECURITY