Published on February 18, 2025

How has Moka become the pioneering city of sustainable urban planning in Mauritius? By making it easier for residents to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. Whether through waste sorting, soft mobility, or reducing energy consumption, discover how Moka encourages everyone to contribute to a more sustainable way of living.

Moka Smart City understood from the outset that adopting these practices is primarily a matter ofnaccessibility. Over time, the city has made as many resources as possible available to all its residents.

It all starts with six key areas established for sustainable urban development: water, waste management, circular economy, mobility, energy transition, and urban planning. These areas inspire the technologies, infrastructure, and services currently available and those yet to come.

Waste sorting made easy in Moka

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Waste sorting is now effortless. Electronic waste, batteries, plastic, cardboard, and glass—collection points are distributed throughout the city, and to make things even easier, a special map has been created to locate them all.

View the map here

Since 2020, the Smart City has installed sorting bins, known as Moloks, in the neighbourhoods of Telfair, Courchamps, Helvétia, l’Avenir, and Vivéa. These collection points enable the recycling of five types of waste: glass, paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminium.

Promoting sustainable transport

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Moka Smart City believes in soft mobility, which includes eco-friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling, and carpooling. To facilitate this transition, the city is developing the necessary infrastructure so that everyone can embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Currently, 10 km of cycling and pedestrian paths provide users with safe travel options. This initiative reduces reliance on cars while encouraging physical activity!

Optimising energy consumption

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Transitioning to renewable energy means seeking alternatives to fossil fuels. Moka Smart City provides several solutions for its residents and users. First, smart meters allow residents to monitor their energy usage and adjust their electricity consumption accordingly.

At the same time, the city addresses an important question: how can more renewable energy be integrated into daily life? The solution lies in the creation of solar farms that gradually supply certain neighbourhoods. A new 4MWc solar farm will soon be installed at the Climate Hub in Telfair. The energy it generates will at term power 100% of the city’s public spaces.

Optimising water usage

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To optimise the consumption of drinking water, one of Moka Smart City’s solutions is to prioritise non-potable water for certain everyday tasks.

The city has constructed a retention pond and a wastewater treatment plant. These infrastructures are particularly useful during periods of drought, ensuring water availability for maintenance, irrigation, and cleaning of public spaces without depleting the potable water supply. Additionally, several drinking water fountains across the city allow users to refill their bottles, perfect for a refreshing break after a walk or jog.

Planning development for a harmonious living environment

Eco-responsible urbanisation in Moka means developing the city while prioritising nature and residents’ well-being. Three pillars make this possible:

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Eco-construction:

A concept that utilises sustainable materials and smart technologies to optimise energy consumption. The result? Better-insulated, more cost-effective, and comfortable homes and offices.

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Mixed-use spaces:

The creation of multifunctional areas where people can live, work, and enjoy leisure activities without excessive travel, saving time in a city where everything is within reach.

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Preservation and creation of green spaces,

Ensuring a balance between urbanisation and nature while promoting a healthy and relaxing living environment.

Encouraging responsible consumption

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The circular economy is based on reuse and recycling to minimise resource wastage. In 2024, Moka’s Smart City organised 10 free workshops to educate Mauritians on these best practices. Simultaneously, 2,280 litres of 100% Moka-made compost were produced from organic waste collected in the region.

Ultimately, Moka offers a responsible lifestyle within easy reach. The goal? To enable residents and users to live in harmony with nature and make a positive impact—without even thinking about it!

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