The PNQ on Thursday 28th July was once again focused on the infrastructural developments in Agalega, which are financed in full by India to the tune of Rs 8.8 billion. The Opposition Leader had 7 questions for the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth. The latter is not required to reveal the content of the bilateral agreement between the Mauritian and Indian governments. However, the PM argued that the agreement will not compromise Mauritius’ sovereignty over Agalega.
Xavier Luc Duval’s 7 questions
The questions were about the presence of the Indian military at Agalega after the completion of the work, and how many, the size of the two hangars, will they be authorised for Poseidon B737 anti-submarine aircraft and whether this part is in line with bilateral agreements, authorisation or prohibition of nuclear-powered ships and nuclear weapons. There was also a question about the number of constructions and dormitory facilities. The question of whether the jetty will be managed by Cargo Handling Corporation and the airport by Airports of Mauritius Ltd was also widely debated, as was the question of the construction of 50 houses for the Agaleans and the expected completion date. At present, it has been announced that the work, undertaken and financed by India to the tune of Rs 8.8 billion, is 88% complete.
As mentioned, the confidentiality clause has left many questions unanswered. But on the issue of management, the PM said that “the management of the jetty and the airport will indeed be the responsibility of the Mauritian authorities. Legal amendments will be necessary” using the word “mandated“.
Neither military base nor nuclear weapons
Pravind Jugnauth tried to dispel any misunderstanding on the possible transformation of Agalega into a military base as implied by the Leader of the Opposition. “Agalega is not being turned into a military base. There was never any question of selling the sovereignty of Agalega to any country…” The Prime Minister also argued that any plane or ship that must use the platforms at Agalega, i.e., the airstrip and the jetty, must have the approval of the Mauritian government. He used Mauritius as an example, saying “from 2014 to 2021, the 96 military aircraft that landed in Mauritius had to get government approval.” He made it clear that there is no problem at this level. On the issue of nuclear weapons, the PM recalled the Pelindaba Treaty, which does not allow the stockpiling of such weapons, nor the possession, research, or manufacture. “Mauritius signed the Treaty on 11 April 1996 and ratified it on 24 April 1996 and it entered into force on 15 July 2009 after obtaining the required number of ratifications. Mauritius acceded to the Pelindaba Treaty in view of our position and commitment to non-proliferation and the promotion of cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Since then, Mauritius has not changed its policy in this regard.”
50 NHDC houses to be delivered by the end of 2024
On the issue of dormitories, the PM said that “the quarters near the sheds will be able to accommodate approximately 140 beds and the facility near the jetty will have a capacity for 22 beds.” On the issue of the construction of 50 houses at Agalega, Pravind Jugnauth said that the NHDC project will be a reality. “The tender will be launched in September this year and the contract will be awarded in December 2022. The works will amount to Rs 347 million and will start in January 2023 and must end in December 2024. The 50 houses will be of duplex type, made of concrete with a tin roof. 36 units will be located in the North Island at Village Vingt-Cinq and 14 units in the South Island at Village Sainte-Rita. Each housing unit will have a net floor area of approximately 55.1 square metres and will include two bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining/living room, a toilet and bathroom and a veranda. The houses will be equipped with an individual rainwater harvesting system. Two desalination plants will be built as well as a photovoltaic system that will provide electricity to each house.”
Confidentiality clause
The confidentiality clause was brandished towards the Opposition Leader’s other questions. The tone was raised on both sides. While XLD accused PKJ of ‘High Treason’, PKJ accused him of ‘Indian Bashing’. XLD also mentioned that there were reports in the Indian press about the construction of an Indian military base in Agalega and that the PM had not commented or refuted this at all. The Leader of the Opposition was called to order by the Speaker but XLD did not fail to point out that it is imperative that Mauritians be informed of the content of the agreement. Soorojdev Phokeer then shed more light on the confidentiality clause by taking as a comparison the contract signed by the PTr/PMSD government with China concerning the development in Jin Fei where details could not be revealed under the confidentiality clause.
