Infrastructural development of Rodrigues, Agalega and Outer Islands

Some of the measures announced with regards to damage caused in Rodrigues due to two cyclones during the past months comprise the introduction of a new housing scheme so as to upgrade and strengthen the Corrugated Iron Sheet and ex-Trust Fund houses, and the continued implementation of the undergrounding of the electricity network for essential services by the Central Electricity Board and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. In addition, an antenna of the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute will be set up for better agricultural services pertaining to crop management and control of pests.

Other measures include: a new Runway at Plaine Corail Airport so as to enable landing and take-off of larger aircrafts, to be constructed by the Airport of Mauritius Ltd; a provision of Rs 92 million for the Special Rodrigues Holiday Package and the Subsidy on Airfare from Rodrigues, as well as no increase in airfare this year in order to support the tourism industry; and an increase in the number of MBC channels broadcasted from 4 to 11 by November 2019.

It is also recalled that Rodrigues is today digitally connected to the world, with the MARS cable inaugurated on 16 February 2019. High speed internet connectivity is now a reality for Rodriguan citizens and this will contribute towards faster economic development of the island.

Agalega and Outer Islands

Budget 2019-2020, in order to further support the development of Agalega, provides for the upgrading of the existing dispensary into a modern full-fledged mediclinic with necessary medical equipment and facilities such as telemedicine for complex medical cases; greater support to patients requiring overseas emergency treatments; and a fully equipped gym to promote health and wellbeing of the citizens.

Provision has also been made for a full-fledged library for the inhabitants, an additional first response vehicle for immediate interventions during fire and other disasters, as well as the construction of a refugee centre in the south of the island. It is recalled that construction of a new runway and a new jetty to substantially improve air and sea connectivity is already under way and is expected to be completed by February 2021.

With regards to the Chagos Archipelago, a special provision of Rs 50 million has been made in the Budget for meeting, inter alia, expenses relating to the preparation for eventual resettlement on some of the islands of the archipelago.