With the inflation rate hitting the 9% scale as per Statistics Mauritius in March 2022, our country is feeling the brunt of ongoing rising living costs. Everything is now more expensive, from basic foodstuffs to construction materials. Economic stagnation due to COVID-19 pandemic, freight charges, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, controversial fuel tax, inclement weather conditions are all being blamed for the challenging times we are going through. Still, in the context of a highly difficult phase for most Mauritians, some are still oblivious to the fate of thousands of people who are struggling to put food on the table. And that, is a real shame. While some are saving the last scrap of their bread to keep afloat of starvation, some inconsiderate lots have absolutely no qualms about throwing bread in the bin, in terms of wasting public funds for the sake of self-gratification.
Families, Food and Fears
The humble ‘dipin-diber’ (bread and butter) is fast becoming a luxury for people who are trapped in the poverty net. Currently, there are still children who turn up at school without a morsel of food in their stomachs. This is the reality in 2022. Were it not for the generosity of a few institutions, school management teams and non-governmental organisations, these children would barely get by. School is the place where they can expect to get some breakfast and lunch. Otherwise, it is a groaning stomach that marks their day. Numerous families are now sticking to bare essentials because they simply cannot cope with the avalanche of ascending prices on a daily basis. And we kid ourselves that there is a feel-good factor in Mauritius? The World Happiness Report for 2021 ranked Mauritius first in Africa. That is mind-boggling, to say the least, when food security is of utmost concern and so much more must be done to soothe the burdens of families.
Audit Report 2021: Another Dead End!
Typically, there are some initial reactions following the publication of the Audit Report but many issues still remain unresolved, years after. Just like the Public Accounts Committee report, the findings are buried into a deep drawer riddled with red tape, incompetence and complacency. Waste of public funds is routine as the follow ups are met with resistance. In some cases, legal actions have been taken in an attempt to recoup some of the cash owed to the government coffers but overwhelming, taxpayers are the ones left out of pocket due to the systemic failings of some fat cats. Public procurement remains the bone of contention unleashing financial malpractice with contract allocation shrouded in a veil of favouritism. But it is unlikely that the expected changes will happen soon enough because the system is benefitting a select few wonderfully. Surely, it would be futile to address that.
Tax Guillotine and STC inefficiency
Needless to say that the carnage continues for the common lot. With so many taxes tearing apart the payslip of hardworking people, the additional tax of Rs 2 levied on each litre of fuel which is supposed to fund the COVID-19 vaccines (most of them donated freely by friendly nations) has dealt a heavy blow to road users. Worse, thousands of vaccines have recently been dumped as they have reached their expiry dates. What a great lesson in management! Regarding the State Trading Corporation (STC), it has quietly been resting on its laurels despite the precarious situation affecting foodstuffs such as milk for instance. Being proactive for the welfare of the people seems to be the least of its worries and it only makes a tentative move whenever the situation reaches boiling point. Once again, the plebs are the ones paying for the inaction and inefficiency of those cut off from reality.
Dubai Expo 2020 Farce
A great way to splurge on public funds is the ability to identify opportunity at every crossroad. Having a keen eyesight, sound ears and a shrewd mind can definitely assist in jumping on the bandwagon of a foreign trip with per generous per diem rates for the lucky few, who choose to be accompanied by an entourage for added effect. The Dubai Expo 2020 Edition has shed some light on how some ministers or other dignitaries who have absolutely no business attending that event, have not hesitated a single second to spend our meagre national savings for the sake of self-indulgence. Moral compass? None. The question that remains is whether these personalities for whom the event is irrelevant and who are paid by us taxpayers, will now reimburse the state. A myth maybe. Our local ‘marsan dal-puri’ would have been by far a better ambassador for the country. Where is the accountability when we have been asked to be judicious and resilient? Where is the solidarity when needy children are having to live in rudimentary conditions in shelters? Or when women are victims of domestic violence and ruthless slaughtering? Or when patients are not receiving the best of care in public hospitals?
Wake Up!
A while back, a member of parliament has complained how difficult it is for her to make ends meet. This statement has been met with jeers from the public. With her relatively well endowed paycheque and all her allowances cumulated, how tone-deaf can one be? As more and more people are unable to get on the property ladder, if anything, this proves how detached some rulers are from the daily struggles of the people. It is time for the elected servants of the population to wake up and get to work, for real.