A promise “precise and clear decisions”. Prime Minister François Bayrou, traveling to Mayotte on Monday December 30, presented an emergency plan aimed at “give quick answers” to the victims, sixteen days after the passage of Cyclone Chido which left at least 39 dead in the archipelago.
Accompanied by five members of the government, including the Minister of Education Elisabeth Borne and the Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls, the tenant of Matignon detailed from the departmental hotel the different provisions of his “Mayotte standing” plan. Here's what you need to remember.
The objective of restoring electricity at the end of January
Facing the Mahorais elected officials, François Bayrou began his intervention with announcements concerning the electricity network. “Electricity must be restored to every home January“, launched the Prime Minister. Only 51.6% of the population of the archipelago had access to electricity on Sunday, according to a situation update transmitted by the Elysée. “Electrité de Mayotte will receive 200 more agents”added the Prime Minister, specifying that “local labor [serait] engaged”.
The head of government also promised the deployment by EDF of 200 generators, i.e. “around ten per municipality”. Several “dozens have already arrived, others will follow”he added, specifying to connect as a priority “sensitive points”.
Rehabilitation of the water network with the help of the army
While water distribution remains “limited to two days out of three for eight hours” according to the government, specialized army units “will arrive next week to help” to the restoration of the water network, announced François Bayrou, with “units from the 13th and 19th engineering regiments, specialized in emergency operations”.
The head of government promised that the “production before Chido”either “38 000 m3 per day” sera “reached next week”. Judged “insufficient”it will be brought to “40 000 m3 per day” avant “June 30, 2025”. While Mayotte is regularly faced with water supply problems, the Prime Minister announced that the 60 million euros of the archipelago's water plan would be “protected, or even increased, depending on needs”.
Starlink antennas for emergency communications, 5G by the end of June
While the telephone networks have not yet been restored, François Bayrou announced the deployment of a “solution 5G” by the end of June 2025, as well as the investment of “200 million euros over two years” for the deployment of optical fiber. But immediately, in order to facilitate access to telecommunications, he also announced the deployment of 200 Starlink antennas, the technology developed by SpaceX and allowing access to the internet, “to ensure emergency communications” in Mayotte.
A return to school “establishment by establishment” from January 13
“As the return to school cannot take place under normal conditions, it will be done establishment by establishment” from January 13, detailed François Bayrou. For some students, “temporary schooling could be organized in France”he assured. “We did it for Ukraine, we can do it for Mahorese children who are in difficulty, if the families wish”he added.
The head of government spoke of a “evacuation of colleges, schools and high schools” occupied by disaster victims since the passage of cyclone Chido, with “shelter” people and “deported to the border for those who are in an irregular situation”. “School tents can be provided this week” with the NGO Acted, he added, specifying that a call for donations will be launched in the municipalities of France to offer equipment to classes in Mayotte. A plan “Mayotte school volunteers” will also be put in place to address the shortage of teachers in the archipelago.
An emergency law presented on January 3 to the Council of Ministers
François Bayrou announced the presentation of an emergency law to the Council of Ministers on January 3 “with a presentation to Parliament within fifteen days”. The Prime Minister wants the establishment of a “public establishment for the reconstruction of Mayotte”based on the model of what was put in place for Notre-Dame in Paris. Its director will be “designated on January 3”.
A “law-program for the refoundation of Mayotte, prepared with elected officials” premises, will be developed “within three months”added the Prime Minister. A new census of the population of the archipelago will also be undertaken. “It will make it possible to overcome ambiguities and inconsistencies in the numerical assessment of the population”underlined the Prime Minister.
A “ban” on the reconstruction of slums
“The State and local public authorities agree to prohibit and prevent the reconstruction of slums“promised the Prime Minister, adding that provisions could be included “in the law”. “There will be interventions to get us out of this infernal cycle, we cannot let Mayotte become the capital of slums”he told the press following his intervention.
On housing, the head of government guaranteed the delivery this week of “140 tons of tarpaulins”which will be added “to the 100 tonnes of tarpaulins already delivered”. “The goal is to protect public and Mahorais buildings from water”he clarified. Framing and sheet metal elements for the roofs will be “sent urgently as needed and will be included in the list of blocked products” to avoid speculation.
State-guaranteed loans will also be offered to families to finance reconstruction. Guaranteed by the Banque des Territoires, it will cost “zero euros per month” before repayment spread over twenty-five years.
Sending additional gendarmes and police officers
François Bayrou also announced sending additional gendarmes and police officers. He further promised the “training of 300 Mahorais gendarmes and auxiliaries” pour “ensure security missions when the crisis is over”.
To avoid looting and damage to schools, a “plan vigilance” is considered. It will allow“associate army and gendarmerie units to be able to monitor these establishments”according to the Prime Minister. The latter also promised a “strengthening maritime patrols, making it possible to enforce borders”.
The reopening of the airport to commercial flights on January 1
After the repair of the control tower at Marcel-Henry airport, destroyed by the cyclone, commercial flights will resume on January 1st. Repatriations of residents of Mayotte “detained outside France because of the disaster” will begin on Tuesday, added the Prime Minister.
Measures to develop the health system
The head of government presented a series of health proposals in Mayotte, including sponsorship of the Mamoudzou hospital center, 70% operational since Sunday, by establishments “volunteers” of France.
He also revealed a “Security by the State of the treasury of the 300 self-employed health professionals” of Mayotte and “an attractiveness plan” focused on doctors, midwives and staff who are lacking in the archipelago.
