Ministry of Tourism, Labour, Civil – mwaliregistrar

Ministry of Tourism, Labour, Civil Aviation and Urban Development

The Ministry of Tourism, Labour, Civil Aviation, and Urban Development has a diverse set of responsibilities that collectively aim to enhance sustainable development and orderly growth on Mohéli.

Tourism: Mohéli is often dubbed the “Emerald Isle” of Comoros for its natural beauty – pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush forests. This ministry leads efforts to develop sustainable tourism as a key economic sector. It works on promoting Mohéli as an eco-tourism destination, highlighting attractions like the Mohéli National Park (famous for marine turtles, dolphins, and unspoiled reefs) and the island’s tranquil beaches and villages. The ministry sets standards and guidelines for tourism operators to ensure that growth in tourism is eco-friendly and benefits local communities. It facilitates the licensing of hotels, guesthouses, and tour guides, making sure that each meets quality and environmental criteria. Recently, the ministry has been encouraging community-based tourism – where travelers can stay in village guesthouses, experience Comorian culture, and thereby directly support local families. Signature events like an Annual Marine Festival or cultural exhibition may be organized to draw visitors. The ministry also actively markets Mohéli abroad in partnership with the national tourism board, producing promotional materials, attending tourism fairs, and leveraging Mohéli’s reputation as a hidden gem for diving and nature enthusiasts.

Labour: On the Labour front, the ministry is the authority on employment matters and workers’ welfare on Mohéli. It implements labor regulations such as minimum wage (as set by national law), workplace safety standards, and dispute resolution mechanisms between employers and employees. The ministry’s Labour Office keeps a registry of job offers and job seekers, helping to match Mohéli’s workforce with opportunities. It likely runs or coordinates vocational training programs (in collaboration with Education and other ministries) to upskill workers in sectors like construction, hospitality, or office administration. Protecting workers’ rights is central – the ministry can mediate conflicts, ensure fair treatment and timely payment of salaries, and clamp down on any exploitation. It also oversees the issuance of work permits for foreign workers in Mohéli, ensuring that expatriates are employed where needed skills are lacking locally and that they work under proper legal contracts. In addition, as youth unemployment can be high, the Labour division may work on initiatives like apprenticeship schemes or public works employment for young people.

Civil Aviation: While Mohéli’s airport operations are touched upon under Transport, the inclusion of Civil Aviation here indicates the ministry’s role in local aviation oversight. Essentially, it represents Mohéli’s interests in national civil aviation policy and ensures compliance with aviation standards at Mohéli’s Bandar Es Eslam Airport. This might include overseeing airport facilities, safety drills, coordinating flight schedules with carriers, and planning any future expansion (like runway extension or better navigation systems) to improve air connectivity. The ministry would liaise with the Comoros Civil Aviation Authority (a Union body) regarding licensing of any air operators or new flight routes that involve Mohéli. With tourism growing, it might advocate for more frequent flights between Mohéli and other islands or even direct charters from abroad in the future.

Urban Development: As Mohéli develops, urban planning becomes important, especially in

Fomboni and its environs. This ministry leads urban development efforts to ensure organized expansion of towns and preservation of the island’s charm. It works on city plans, zoning regulations, and building permits within urban areas. For example, ensuring that new construction in Fomboni follows safety codes, that roads in town are properly laid out with drainage, and that public spaces (markets, parks) are maintained or expanded. Urban development also covers sanitation systems, housing projects (particularly affordable housing if needed), and managing the balance between urban growth and environmental protection. The ministry might spearhead beautification projects – such as improving the seafront promenade in Fomboni, restoring historical buildings, or creating green parks. Another key aspect is infrastructure for essential urban services: proper waste management (like organizing regular garbage collection and looking into recycling or waste-to-compost initiatives) and enhancing water supply systems for the city.

By bundling tourism, labour, aviation, and urban planning, this ministry takes a holistic approach to Mohéli’s development as a livable, economically vibrant, and accessible island. It ensures tourists have a great experience, workers have fair conditions, flights are safe and increasing, and towns grow in a planned manner. One recent success has been Mohéli’s rise in eco-tourism rankings – with visitors praising the island’s unspoiled nature and the ministry’s efforts to train local guides and establish eco-lodges. Simultaneously, ongoing improvements in Fomboni’s infrastructure under Urban Development are making the small capital cleaner and more attractive both for residents and visitors.