Artist’s impression of the waterways and villas at La Balise Marina in Mauritius.

With the commencement of site works at La Balise Marina in Mauritius, the developers have undertaken all the necessary feasibility studies and have announced their plans to minimise the impact on the naturally diverse and sensitive area of the River Noir estuary, says Gilbert Espitalier Noel, chief executive of ENL Property, the development manager of La Balise Marina.

The marina is being built in the mouth of the River Noir, in Black River on the west coast of Mauritius, in an area that has already been zoned by the Mauritian government for a major marina development.

“The land we are using for this development was zoned for this purpose following a study carried out by an international panel of experts commissioned by the Mauritian government for a strategic EIA for the identification of potential sites for marinas, ski lanes and bathing areas,” says Espitalier Noel.

“A detailed feasibility study and environmental impact assessment have since been conducted, which secured approvals to proceed with our development plans as they address all the potential eco-sensitive issues that were identified in the study, with acceptable mitigating measures in place to protect the environment.

“Appropriate measures have been taken in the planning phases of the project to ensure we create an eco friendly community that has minimal impact on the natural environment. This forms part of the development’s environmental management plan, which will govern and monitor the construction and implementation process in line with the EIA.”

The first phase of site preparation, which began in October 2009, includes the dredging of the River Noir around the site. Espitalier Noel says the dredging has been limited to the mouth of River Noir to ensure minimal impact on the marine environment. The site is also well protected from wave action, wind and cyclones due to its location on the island, so no major changes to the tidal and current patterns are envisaged, negating the need for major infrastructure in the mouth.

Bulk power supply for the development has been secured from the Central Electricity Board (CEB), which will supply the main power to a substation in the region. From this substation power will then be transferred to a distribution transformer and substation positioned at the development’s technical area. From this distribution transformer and substation, 400/230 volt power will be reticulated into pillars around the site and supplied to villas, the commercial centre and hotel.

To reduce the load the development has on the national water network, the developers are considering building a desalination plant to ensure suitable water supply. Alternatively, the developers will investigate the possibility of bore holes on site to meet the water requirements of the residential and commercial developments. Each duplex in the development will also have a solar water heater to further reduce the load on the national grid.

“Wherever possible we also plan to use local material to reduce the development’s carbon footprint by reducing transport and manufacturing requirements,” says Espitalier Noel. “So, as the first Integrated Resort Scheme to offer foreign buyers freehold property on the water’s edge, we are taking every step possible to ensure this exceptional project is done in an environmentally conscious and responsible manner, so that all our buyers and guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the area for years to come,” he says.

A few years ago, the Mauritian government introduced the Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS), which allows foreigners to acquire freehold ownership of luxury residences in approved IRS projects. Foreign owners of residential villas in IRS projects and their families are entitled to live in Mauritius for as long as they retain ownership. A minimum investment US$500,000 is required for the acquisition of freehold immovable property, including land and the maximum extent of the land is limited to 0.5276 ha. Villas can be bought off-plan or during the construction phase.

Non-citizens of Mauritius (including their spouses and dependants), foreign companies registered under the Companies Act of 2001 and citizens of Mauritius qualify to acquire property under the IRS regulations.

Visit www.labalisemarina.com.