New Forest Side Secondary College Opens — Minister Denies Political Favouritism

A new state secondary school has opened in Forest Side, a residential area in the highlands of Mauritius, with Education Minister Dr Reza Saumtally moving quickly to dismiss suggestions that the choice of location was driven by political motivations. "There is no political favour here," Dr Saumtally stated in response to questions raised about the school's opening. The minister insisted that the decision to establish Forest Side Secondary College was grounded in educational need and planning — not party politics. **What Is Forest Side Secondary College?** Forest Side Secondary College is a newly inaugurated state secondary school located in the Forest Side district, situated in the Plaines Wilhems region near Curepipe in central Mauritius. State secondary colleges in Mauritius fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, which oversees curriculum, staffing, and infrastructure through the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate (MES) and related bodies. The opening of new secondary schools is a significant event in Mauritius, where access to quality state education — particularly at secondary level — remains a key social and political issue. Competition for places at well-regarded colleges is intense, and the establishment of a new institution can shift catchment areas and ease pressure on nearby schools. **Why the Controversy?** In Mauritius, decisions about where to build or open public schools are frequently scrutinised through a political lens. Critics and opposition figures often question whether new schools, roads, or public facilities are placed in constituencies represented by the ruling party — a long-standing tension in Mauritian public life. The Forest Side area falls within a politically contested zone, which appears to have prompted the questions directed at Dr Saumtally. The minister's firm rebuttal signals an awareness of that sensitivity. **What This Means** For families in and around Forest Side, the new college means closer access to secondary education without long commutes to Curepipe or neighbouring towns. It also potentially reduces enrolment pressure on existing colleges in the Plaines Wilhems region. For the broader public, Dr Saumtally's statement is a reminder that in Mauritius, even routine infrastructure decisions are subject to intense political scrutiny — and that ministers must be prepared to justify them publicly. The Ministry of Education has not yet released details on the college's capacity, the number of students enrolled for its inaugural year, or which catchment zones it will serve. Those details are expected to follow as the institution becomes operational. Source: Le Defi Media