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New Airport Access Road

EIA Report February 2015

5. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
5.1. THE NO-PROJECT OPTION
Given the earlier defined purpose of the Project, the ‘zero’-option would represent a serious constraint
for the proper and safe functioning of growing traffic to and from the airport. Such scenario is
inacceptable in the long term for an international airport and contradictory to the intentions of the
Government of Mauritius to develop the airport to an international hub in the southern hemisphere.

For Plaine Magnien village the zero option would result in significant disturbance and negative impact
on the quality of life and safety. The existing roundabout in Plaine Magnien - is inadequate to
accommodate the expected growing traffic loads and, in particular, to ensure the safe transport of
dangerous goods such as kerosene, fuel and others from and to the airport. As was explained earlier
the site conditions at and around the present roundabout impede any effective improvement of these
conditions.

From an environmental perspective the zero option would thus represent a safety risk for the local
population and road users.

5.2. PROJECT VARIANTS

The proposed road project is a relatively small one with its alignment crossing land under sugarcane
cultivation and belonging to Omnicane Ltd.

Construction works involve usual road construction works with no major cross drainage structures.
Consequently, the project does not lend itself to the consideration of technical options.