Republic of Mauritius- Cote D’Or Complex a major asset for Mauritius’ sports landscape

The Acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Eddy Boissézon, gave these details in a reply today to a Private Notice Question of the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly and which pertained to the forthcoming IOIG 2019.

The Minister highlighted that the IOIG 2019 will comprise of fourteen disciplines and will include sports events for Aurally, Mentally, Physically and Visually handicapped persons.  The Games will be held in Mauritius as well as in Rodrigues, where the ‘Semi Marathon’ of 21 kms will be held and the Judo Team Competition will be hosted in Malabar.

Minister Boissézon recalled that Mauritius was set to be entrusted the organisation of the 11^th edition of the IOIG following the decision of the International Games Committee to withdraw the organisation of the 10^th edition from the Federal Republic of Comoros.  Despite the time constraint, Government showed determination to come up with the necessary sport infrastructure for the organisation of this event of magnitude, he stated.

The facilities, he indicated, are of international standards and comply with the requirements of their respective international federations, and will be homologated to allow Mauritius to host sports events of international standing.  Consequently, Government took the opportunity of the Bilateral Joint Commission between China and Mauritius in November 2016 to obtain financial assistance from the Chinese authorities amounting to RMB 350 m., that is, Rs1.9 billion, through a mix of grant and interest free loan for the financing of the construction of the complex, the Minister pointed out.

As regards the Cote D’Or project, the Minister indicated that funds have been allocated as follows: Rs 1057.8 m for the aquatic centre; Rs 738.3 m for a multi-purpose gym; Rs 1973.8 m for a football stadium and an athletic track; and, Rs 922.1 m for amenities, including Offsite works and Consultancy fees.  As for the completion dates for the different packages to be used for the IOIG, the completion, testing and commission of swimming pool and timing system and LED screens for the Multipurpose Gymnasium is set for 30 June 2019 and the completion of the Gymnasium to host the Judo Competition is scheduled on the same date.

Moreover, Mr Boissézon underlined that the total Project Value previously estimated at Rs 3.9 billion based on values at which contracts were awarded, has increased in costs amounting to Rs 765 m.  This is due to changes in design, substantiated by additional piling works, changes in roof structure for all three main facilities and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing works, following the recommendations from the Geotechnical investigation report, he remarked.

As regards the preparation of athletes, the Minister indicated that they are benefitting from training camps , competitions locally and abroad, Medical/paramedical support (physio/masseur, nutritionist and psychologist), vitamins/food supplements, Physical fitness tests (6 sessions including Handisports/Rodrigues in Sep/Oct 2018), access to Equipment, Gym facilities at Private Fitness Centres.  Provision of transport, meal and cameras for recording of training sessions have been made, he added. Funds allocated in this regard are Rs 60 million for 2018/2019.

On that note, Minister Boissézon highlighted that funds allocated for the preparation of athletes for IOIG 2019 in Budget 2018/2019 to Elite athletes of the Federations involved in the Games is Rs 19.5 m.  It is the first time ever, he said, that athletes have been provided with an allocation amounting to around Rs 115 m for their preparation and training prior to the Games.  Insofar as hospitality during the Games is concerned the cost is estimated at Rs 417.5 m, including accommodation, transportation, protocol and hospitality.