Le Bouchon Smart City (LBSC) is a joint venture project between SIT Land Holdings Ltd (SITLH) a subsidiary of Sugar Investment Trust (SIT) and Curzon Holdings (Mauritius) Limited. This is a major development project planned in the southern part of the country. The project is located at Le Bouchon and is within the reach of the nearby villages of Plaine Magnien, Trois Boutiques, Camp Carol, and also near the SSR International Airport. The natural hinterland areas of Rose Belle and Mahebourg are also within easy reach. The project has received the Letter of Intent from the Economic Development Board and construction should start on site in second quarter of 2022. The execution of the project will be in phases, and is expected to last for 3-4 years.
Estimated Investment
The investment is estimated at around 240 million-pound sterling, that is around Rs 14.4 billion at the prevailing exchange rate. It must be pointed out that the whole of this investment will be in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the country.
Job and Business Opportunities
There will be huge job opportunities during the execution of the project. It is estimated that after completion of the project, it will generate around 1500 to 2000 jobs permanently, and twice that number in terms of indirect employment, hence targeting the residents of the immediate and surrounding regions. Furthermore, there will be several business opportunities for the inhabitants of the region once the smart city becomes fully operational.
Social Inclusion
Residents of the surrounding regions will benefit from an integrated CSR program that will include a variety of opportunities and facilities including employment, training, health and welfare programs.
PROJECT SCOPE
This is going to be a major project ever undertaken in the region. The project has reached an advanced stage of processing and clearances, and the Letter of Intent has already been secured from the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The UK investors had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Mauritian delegates in London on Friday 5th November 2021 in the margin of COP 26. The meeting showcased the sustainable aspects of the project and tied in with the commitments to reduce carbon emissions and create an exemplar green project that would showcase the best in technologies to help optimize natural resources and reduce, waste and consumption, whilst improving the quality of life for its residents, both immediate and in the local area.
TOWARDS A LANDMARK FOR SIT LAND HOLDINGS LTD
SITLH has worked closely with the UK partner through the global pandemic and managed to maintain the momentum to enable the application process to achieve the Letter of Intent. This demonstrates the resourcefulness of both parties, appeal of investing in Mauritius and the confidence in the future of the proposed Smart City.
A Retail Village modelled around formal, permeable, public spaces, integrated with beauty and natural elements. Le Bouchon Village will also provide high quality office and workplace environments. A Residential complex comprising of 175 villas and 40 apartments. parties, appeal of investing in Mauritius and the confidence in the future of the proposed Smart City.
