Section 13: Ownership of national heritage

13. Ownership of national heritage (1) The ownership of a national heritage shall remain vested in its owner. (2) Where the Minister designates a private property as national heritage, the Director shall forthwith give notice, in writing, to the owner of that property. (3) Any owner of a national heritage who intends to alter structurally or make any addition to any national heritage shall— (a) give notice, in writing, of his intention to do so to the Director; and (b) not commence any alteration or addition to the national heritage unless the Board has, with the approval of the Minister, authorised the said alteration or addition. (4) Where the Board is of the opinion that a national heritage has to be compulsorily acquired for the public benefit, the Board may make a recommendation to that effect to the Minister responsible for the subject of lands. (5) Where the Minister responsible for the subject of lands is satisfied that the compulsory acquisition of a national heritage will be for the public benefit, he may acquire the national heritage in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. [Issue 1] N17 – 6 Revised Laws of Mauritius