During the present confinement, each Mauritian is enduring the powerful knock of the pandemic in terms of movement restrictions, lockdown of supermarkets, shops, other services and entertainment places. Many governments have imposed on their population a confinement period of 14 days, followed by an extension. In Mauritius, though the number of positive cases is increasing daily, yet it is comforting to note that the death toll has remained at three. If the confinement and other measures are strictly observed, the government will lift the restrictions and signal a gradual return to normality. Otherwise, a confinement extension will be enforced. 

Will it be a smooth return? In this war, the enemy is invisible and yet the battlefield is covered with lots of casualties. The government agencies strive to support those affected by the crisis and the different sectors of the economy by way of a stimulus package to keep them afloat. When the lockdown is lifted, Government will have to reactivate the services, reopen the schools, instil confidence and hope in the population. 

Government should assess the full extent of casualties, do a post-mortem and subsequently carry out a proper evaluation of earlier decisions and actions to better equip ourselves to face future calamities. This assessment exercise will likewise have to be effected by each one of us. Life has taught us that even in the worst situation there are positive elements. However, the limited space does not allow me to run down all the welcome changes that Covid-19 can bring. I will mention only a few. 

«The number of Ministers and PPPs and some unnecessary posts and processes will have to be reviewed in the interest of efficiency.»

The confinement has taught us to value food and recognise the hard work by the people engaged in food production. I hope that nobody has wasted food during that period. Unfortunately, wasting food has become pandemic. Billions of US dollars worth of food in the world are simply wasted every year. We and our children should pledge to never waste food. Not just food, but also all other resources, including financial ones. Just read our Director of Audit’s report on the waste of public funds. Public money is thrown down the drain yearly due to negligence and mismanagement. Covid-19 summons us to return to basics and practise the virtues of our elders, uphold the national and international efforts to make our country and the planet sustainable. 

Every sector of the economy is turning to the government for financial support. National revenue will drop and we need to borrow to sustain the battered economy. There are tremendous challenges ahead. 

The world economy is already in recession. Government will have to devise new and innovative strategies and move further in the digital world. It must create conditions to enlist the full cooperation of the population. How? Government must bring fundamental changes to its structure and functioning. The number of Ministers and PPPs and some unnecessary posts and processes will have to be reviewed in the interest of efficiency. 

A few other ideas, which can be incorporated in the changes, are: greater discipline, no corruption, sustainable measures, more care for the vulnerable, strong concern for the environment, respect for human rights and meritocracy. Government should engage in consultation with political heads, opinion leaders on major policy issues and needs to transform itself. Covid-19 provides it the opportunity to look afresh at governance, build strong teams and get rid of dead wood.

Krish Ponnusamy, CSK, Retired Permanent Secretary.