Port Louis: A workshop was held last week to launch the Participatory Slum Upgrading Project in Mauritius.

Donor: European Commission and, the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific SecretariatThe “Lansman Rezional” (Regional Launch), aptly dubbed “Anu Amelyor Nu Kartier” (Let’s Improve Our Neighbourhood) was attended by over 60 participants from the three PSUP cities of Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rosehill and Black River. Members of the Mauritius country team, government representatives, Ministry of Housing and Lands representatives, the private sector, various NGOs and the media were also among those present.

The aim of the “Lansman Rezional” was to create awareness of the PSUP and the actions to be undertaken during Phase 2 and 3 of the programme’s implementation. Key attendants at the workshop were the Implementing Partner and the consultants in charge of the PSUP Phase 2 survey who presented the results of the original survey done in 2012, to allow participants to take note of the list of priorities presented through this survey and give them the opportunity to update them.

The Implementing Partner represented by a national NGO, "Caritas Ile Maurice", launched the workshop, inviting the participants to review the data collected so far, share and discuss issues and problems arising in the community, as well as map all NGOs on aerial maps available for each region. The workshop also provided an opportunity for the NGOs present to connect or re-connect with each other in a positive and constructive atmosphere, allowing them to work together and create opportunities for future collaboration. It was hoped that this would strengthen the NGOs and improve participation in the PSUP for Phase 2 and Phase 3.

The workshop aims to increase ownership of the programme by NGOs and enable them to start working together to be more efficient for their involvement in Phase 2 and 3.