The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy, in the Budget 2022-2023, unveiled Government’s policies for Rodrigues and the Outer Islands for a total cost of Rs 6.8 billion.
Hence, some 125 million have been earmarked for the completion of the Technology Park at Baladirou in early 2023 while Rs 100 million have been designated for the construction of 30 kilometres of track roads. In addition, several environmental projects, to the tune of Rs 60 million, will be implemented. They include a material recovery centre at Roche Bon Dieu; a wastewater treatment plant at Grenade; desilting of river beds; and an integrated waste management and sorting system.
With regards to the water supply, the rain harvesting scheme for all eligible households will be renewed and reservoirs, dams and boreholes will be constructed and upgraded for a sum of Rs 36.3 million.
The Finance Minister also announced that all schemes for the agricultural and livestock sector will be extended to Rodrigues, and that Rs 20 million will be granted to operationalise a slaughter house.
Exports from Rodrigues to Mauritius will benefit as well from the Freight Rebate Scheme and the Trade Promotion & Marketing Scheme. Additionally, the 20 percent rebate on the cost of freight between Mauritius and Rodrigues announced last year is being maintained, and the subsidy on Special Rodrigues Holiday Package and Subsidy on Airfare will be prolonged up to September 2023.
Under the National Flood Management Programme, it is noted that Rs 132 million will be allocated for Rodrigues for drains at Port Mathurin, Baie Malgache, Port Sud Est and Anse Ally. A 1 MW solar farm will be commissioned at Grenade too.
Agalega
The 20 percent rebate on the cost of freight will be extended to Agalega and Rs 6 million is being provided for the acquisition of equipment and utility vehicles.
Fight for the decolonisation of the Territory
Dr Padayachy highlighted Government efforts to pursue the fight for the decolonisation of the Territory and implement a programme for resettlement in the Chagos Archipelago. Thus, after the historic visit to the Chagos Archipelagos undertaken by a Mauritian Delegation in February 2022, a second trip will be organised.
Moreover, the budget of the Chagossian Welfare Fund will be increased to Rs 7 million.
