Continuity was the leitmotiv at the new mayors’ elections last week. While Reza Issack remains at the helm in the capital, four “new heads” will strive to change the lives of frustrated town dwellers. But all have made it clear that they will bring their own touch to the work started by their predecessors. The objectives seem to be the same; what may be different is the way they implement change and – even more importantly – the rapidity with which they do it.

Reza Issack remained very down-to-earth in his speech. He did not want to hold out the prospect of a perfect capital to anyone and made it clear that his task would be difficult. Especially with hawkers, a “problem with no solution”. He however committed to maintaining dialogue with them and asked for some time to change the situation. The lord mayor insisted on “discipline” but made it clear that he would not “chase away hawkers” and only wanted to help them. Labour councillor, Mahendra Goondea, will assist him in this challenging task.

Two women will rule over Quatre-Bornes and Beau-Bassin-Rose-Hill. Regina Maudar, 66, from the Parti Mauricien Xavier Duval (PMXD) will be assisted by Dhiren Gungabissoon. The new mayor was moved by her election but this did not prevent her from stating her priorities. She made it clear she will get rid of the present “eyesore” and make sure the inhabitants of Quatre-Bornes benefit from a brand new market. She also wants to make Quatre-Bornes a “green town” – that would help it finally deserve its name of “the town of flowers” – and make it a pleasant place for old-age pensioners.

The second woman, Mirella Chauvin from the Mouvement Républicain (MR), wants to get off the beaten track. With the help of her deputy, Dr Ranjan Soondron from Labour, this teacher from Loreto College Rose-Hill wants to make ICT available to the most vulnerable members of society. She wants to provide social centres with computers and make Internet more affordable. The new mayor also intends to provide more cultural and sports activities to safeguard young people from alcoholism and drug addiction. As hawkers constitute a major problem in Rose-Hill, the “iron lady” wants to open dialogue with stakeholders but will tolerate “no blackmail”.

<I>“The four new mayors have all made it clear that they will bring their own touch to the work started by their predecessors. Their objectives may be the same but their way of implementing them certainly different.”</I>

The “hawkers” problem definitely seems to be a national issue. In Curepipe, Labour mayor Soobir Sen Sewnath claimed it would be on his priority list just like the rehabilitation of water pipes and sports amenities. Sportsmen and women have been protesting they have no space for training, as the forum has been used for fairs for the last few months. Serge Alanda will be deputy mayor in Curepipe.

The 30 year-old pharmacist, Ashvin Dookun, also stated his priorities for Vacoas-Phoenix. His deputy will be Ahmad Hosany. He will follow the same trend as his predecessor concerning road rehabilitation, road and street lighting as well as construction of water pipes. Rs 70 million has already been earmarked for such work since the municipal elections last year. He also promised a “social and sports infrastructure” in poor areas of the town.

All the new mayors appear determined to make their towns better places to live in. Their most important challenge will, however, be to convince their constituents that they will indeed walk the talk. After several years of near standstill in most municipalities, it seems most citizens no longer believe in election speeches. It is on the follow-up that the new mayors will be judged…