About The Ministry
The Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management is responsible for the formulation of appropriate policies and strategies and the establishment of necessary legal framework to ensure that entities under its purview operate smoothly to contribute effectively towards achieving national objectives in respect of:
Local government matters in Mauritius;
- Enforcement of conveyance of municipal solid waste;
- Cleaning, landscaping and embellishment of public places; and
- Fire prevention and fighting as well as rescue service.
The Ministry administers the Local Government Act 2011 and makes such regulations for the smooth implementation thereof and provides general policy guidance to Local Authorities.
Divisions / Units / Services under the Ministry
The following organisations/units fall under the purview of the Ministry:
- the Local Authorities;
- the Field Services Unit; and
- the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service.
The Local Authorities comprise one Municipal City Council, four Municipal Councils, seven District Councils and 130 Village Councils. These Local Authorities aim at providing services and carry out infrastructural developments at local level. These include, among others, the provision of street-lighting; construction and maintenance of roads, drains and public spaces, provision and maintenance of bus shelters and traffic centres; scavenging services, organisation of sports and cultural activities; operation of markets and fairs; and maintenance of cemeteries and cremation grounds.
The Field Services Unit (FSU) is responsible for executing minor upgrading works across the island, including landscaping and embellishment, provision of amenities, maintenance and cleaning in public places, amongst others.
The Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) aims at making Mauritius a safe place by minimizing the risks of loss of life, property and environmental damage through enforcement of fire legislations, education and rescue services. It is an “all hazards" department that responds to all types of incidents including fire, road traffic collisions, hazardous materials response, technical rescues, flood, special assistance, and much more. The MFRS also has the statutory obligation for the issue of Fire Certificate and carry out Enforcement Inspection and also being involved in promoting emergency preparedness, fire prevention and Fire Safety Education. The MFRS is manned by around 1140 officers in the firefighter cadre working on four shifts and providing fire and emergency cover for the whole island. It currently operates 10 Fire stations all over the island and a fire post in Agaléga island.
