Official Notice: Financial Support for Households Affected by Power Outages During Cyclone Belal
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an important official notice concerning financial assistance provided to households impacted by extended power outages during the passage of Cyclone Belal. This measure aims to support residents who endured significant disruptions due to the cyclone, specifically those who experienced power cuts lasting 12 consecutive hours.
Scope and Purpose of the Notice
This notice serves to inform eligible households about the availability of a one-off financial aid of Rs. 2,000, intended as compensation for the inconvenience caused by prolonged power interruptions. It details the eligibility criteria, the process for claiming the assistance, and the procedures for payment, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing relief to affected citizens during adverse weather events.
Eligibility Criteria for Financial Assistance
To qualify for the aid, households must have experienced a power outage lasting exactly 12 consecutive hours during the specific period of Cyclone Belal's passage. The conditions are as follows:
- The outage must have occurred between Monday, 15 January 2024 at 10:10 hrs, when a Class II cyclone warning was issued, and Saturday, 20 January 2024 at 18:00 hrs, marking the completion of reinstatement works by the Central Electricity Board (CEB).
- The outage duration must have been continuous for 12 hours, directly attributable to the cyclone's impact.
Households that experienced such outages within this period are considered eligible for the financial assistance, regardless of other circumstances, provided the outage duration and timing criteria are met.
Procedure for Payment and Submission of Bank Details
Automatic Payments for Registered Bank Details
The MRA has been entrusted with the responsibility of disbursing the financial aid. For households whose bank details are already available in the MRA database, the payment has been automatically credited to their respective bank accounts. This process ensures a swift and efficient transfer of funds without requiring further action from the recipients.
Submission of Bank Details for Unregistered Households
Households eligible for the aid but whose bank details are not yet registered with the MRA must submit their bank information promptly. The process is facilitated through the MRA website (www.mra.mu), where eligible applicants can insert their National Identity Card Number to update their banking details securely.
It is essential that households ensure their bank details are correctly registered to receive the financial assistance without delays. The online submission process is straightforward and designed to facilitate quick registration, which is critical given the urgency of post-cyclone relief efforts.
Clarifications and Support
For households that believe they meet the eligibility criteria but face difficulties in submitting their bank details online, the MRA advises contacting the Central Electricity Board (CEB) or calling the CEB hotline at 8912. These channels are available for clarifications, additional information, and assistance with the registration process.
Furthermore, the list of eligible households has been provided by the CEB, based on their records of power outages during the cyclone. Households are encouraged to verify their status and seek support if they suspect eligibility but are unable to register online.
Important Dates and Contact Information
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Start of outage period eligible for aid | Monday, 15 January 2024 at 10:10 hrs |
| End of outage period eligible for aid | Saturday, 20 January 2024 at 18:00 hrs |
The official communication was issued from the Ehram Court offices in Port Louis, with contact details available for further inquiries:
- Telephone: +230 207 6000
- Fax: +230 207 6048
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.mra.mu
This initiative underscores the government's responsiveness to the needs of households affected by natural calamities, ensuring that support reaches those most impacted by Cyclone Belal's passage. Citizens are encouraged to follow the outlined procedures promptly to benefit from this assistance and to stay informed about further updates related to disaster relief measures.