The Plaine Verte Sports Arena, to the tune of Rs 152 million, was inaugurated, yesterday, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; Members of Parliament; the Lord Mayor of the Municipal Council of Port Louis, Mr Mamode Issop Nujuraully; Municipal Councillors; and other personalities.
The Sports Arena spans 3200 square metres across three floors and features international-standard facilities, including futsal, volleyball, basketball, and badminton courts, a double squash court, an auditorium with telescopic seating, a snooker area, a body-building space, and multifunctional screens for watching international games.
In his address, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with regards to the new sports arena, highlighting its role in community welfare and public health. He, moreover, emphasised the importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle to prevent Non-Commun
icable Diseases, reaffirming Government’s focus on public health and welfare.
In addition, he elaborated on Government’s heavy investment in sports infrastructure as a means to prevent youth involvement in social issues, reiterating the commitment to combat drug trafficking.
Mr Jugnauth also outlined development projects for the region of Plaine Verte and the renovation of the Dr Idrice Goumany Municipal Centre, now upgraded for social activities. The Prime Minister highlighted that essential amenities and infrastructure are being provided across all regions of Mauritius, demonstrating inclusive development.
Furthermore, he noted Government’s efforts to promote athletes internationally through various incentives, including the construction of the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, citing the recent bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as proof of successful investments, thereby expressing confidence in discovering new talent through increased sports participation.
Prime Minister Jugnauth fu
rther dwelt on several athlete support incentives, including the Athletes Welfare Scheme, which provides up to Rs 250 000 for medical expenses, a 50% reimbursement of up to Rs 50 000 for sports equipment, and Rs 120 000 in financial support for injured athletes, distributed over six months.
For his part, the Vice-Prime Minister underscored Government’s focus on tackling drug abuse by encouraging sports to deter youth from drug use, noting recent drug seizures of Rs 330 million and the creation of sports centres to benefit the community and steer young people away from drugs.
He also discussed several projects in Constituency No. 3, including a health centre, new piping systems, and renovations to local sports facilities, with future plans including addressing the waste dump in Roche Bois.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
Source: Government of Mauritius