An imposing two-storey colonial house ? cosy open veranda, cream walls, blue shutters ? stands like an attraction on the main Black-River Road in Bambous: this is not the premises of an arrogant grand seigneur or of a splendid inn, but the ancient, neglected police headquarters. A feature in the village, which those taking their children to the neighbouring school know very well, and a significant part of the complex comprising the District Court and a few administrative blocks.

A few months ago, the police staff moved to a concrete building, leaving the old one closed as a sleeping beauty. Now it is fated for complete destruction to be replaced by a brand new building. ?Do we have to lament? It is such a shame. The building dates from 1870, it is one of the oldest after that of Trou-Fanfaron. I visited the site six weeks ago. Nothing justifies its demolition. Not only is the building in good condition, but, as an integral part of the District Court, with its centenary trees, it remains an invaluable part of our history?, reacts Philippe la Hausse de Lalouvière, from the Société de l?Histoire de l?île Maurice. ?As a witness of the birth of local administration, a form of regionalization and democracy, it could also attract visitors and tourists?.

?Other stations have been refurbished without being pulled down?, adds the activist, who has done much for the protection of heritage, from ancient cemeteries to old kovils. Philippe la Hausse de Lalouvière points to the renovation of Abercrombie police station in Sainte-Croix in 2006. It was in a poor state, had suffered from rain infiltration and the roof had to be covered with a tarpaulin during bad weather. The district headquarters had then spent Rs 5 millions for the repairs, which in fact involved some rebuilding.

?We are sorry but the situation is as it is: the Bambous police station is simply too small and has been too affected by time (mainly leakage) indoors. Even the wooden floor has been damaged?, replies Sergeant Hans Soopal, from the Police Infrastructure Department. ?In our global plan to modernise and implement new police infrastructure, we have also considered Bambous, which is meant to be a ?Class A? station. We really cannot prevent demolition as in Sainte-Croix since the cost of restoration would have been too heavy and we need more space?.

?Decent fire station?

Moreover, the building occupied by the police for the moment is a rented one.?Our ambition for Bambous is to have a station modelled on that of Midlands. Note that the station is not included in the list of buildings protected by the National Heritage Trust Fund. But we are considering with engineers from the ministry of Public infrastructure the possibility of keeping the stone façade. We are now waiting for replies to tenders.?

?The old joints could have been saved as well as the beautiful stone work?, says Dawood Allybocus, a local barber who has been living in Bambous for more than 20 years. ?The effort put in the nearby health centre?s walls is rewarding for the eyes. However, we need development. I would have understood if the issue was to preserve the beautiful Bambous church, which is admirable. But I don?t think the police station has the same charm,? he adds bluntly.

Jean Zuel Trapu, a driver native from Bambous, shares almost the same views. ?We should keep the stones.? But he points out also to what local inhabitants consider to have been a lost battle in the same field. ?There was a similar site of interest near La Ferme?s church, with ancient buildings occupied some 15 years ago by the Central Water Authority (CWA). Despite efforts from the local people to restore them, the buildings, which could attract tourists were finally left in neglect and crumbled by themselves.?

This gives more weight to the arguments of developers. Sunny Bundhoo is vice-president of the Village Council : ?Not only the police station is really too small but we are still waiting for a decent fire station too. We are in great need of infrastructure. It is why we are looking forward to the implementation of a hospital behind the second dispensary. It is for the welfare of the inhabitants that we are fighting. Alas it cannot be done without some sacrifice.I still think the issue is: what are we going to leave to our descendants, without any built patrimony?? asks Philippe La Hausse de Lalouvière. In this case, it seems they will only be able to contemplate a façade, at best. Is it to say that it is just a ?solution de façade ?? The question remains.