The overall budget of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly for the fiscal year 2022-2023 is estimated at Rs 4 billion 790 million, compared to the budget for the previous fiscal year which was Rs 4 billion 600 million. Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety, who is also the Commissioner of Finance, announced this during the “Budget Speech” on April 29, 2022, at a special session of the Regional Assembly in Port Mathurin. The proposals, after being debated by the members of the Assembly, will be submitted to the central government for approval. The current budget has been increased from Rs 3 billion 575 million to Rs 3 billion 765 million, while the amount allocated to the development budget remains at Rs 1 billion 25 million, just like last year. This is the first fiscal year for the new ‘Liberation Alliance’ government. With the theme: ‘Moving from Words to Action: Together let’s move Rodrigues forward’.
The budget for this fiscal year will focus on eight main themes. Notably a local ‘macroeconomic’ refocusing aiming at ensuring a revitalization of the local economic circuit, a reorientation of the supply side, aiming at favoring domestic production, a return to the sacred concepts of sustainable development with the updating and relaunching of the SIDPR, the relaunching of the reform programs in the water sector with the immediate elaboration of a ‘Master Plan’, plans to support mobility and discovery for young people, an ambitious ‘Airport Town’ project that aims to create a commercial area near Plaine Corail airport based on the ‘Duty-free Island’ concept, the start of work on the airport expansion, and anti-pollution targeting of businesses and individuals.
In terms of sustainable development, the focus will be on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), defined and adopted by the United Nations. This involves the preservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. “We will innovate the waste management and collection program, in line with the concept that ‘Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed’,” says Johnson Roussety. A budget of Rs 30 million is planned for this purpose. Land management and land use planning will also be reviewed. As well as the energy transition to renewable energies will be encouraged. Community development is not left out. Road construction projects will also be completed, while new road sections will be built. And as far as the strengthening of the cleaning company ‘RodClean’ is concerned, Rs 60 million are planned.
In order to combat rising prices, boost the local economy and protect consumers, the new government has developed a plan. The plan is to stimulate the business climate, entrepreneurship and SMEs. “Among other measures, we will organize ‘Business forums’, ‘Investment workshops’, as well as an ‘Expo Rodrigues’ at the national and regional level, in partnership with the EDB and other partners, “said the Chief Commissioner. As for sustainable agriculture and agro-industry, the government intends to invest Rs 80 million, in order to provide farmers and actors of the agri-food chain of the island with the necessary means to ensure food independence. Speaking of sustainable tourism, the Chief Commissioner stresses that it is one of the main economic pillars of the island, greatly affected by the pandemic of ‘COVID-19’. “The challenges in this area are significant,” he said. To achieve this, a ‘Master Plan’ in this sector will be established.
For the fisheries sector, the authorities advocate a modern and productive fisheries. A series of measures is planned for this purpose and Rs 80 million will be invested. As for the health sector, the construction of a modern hospital promised for 10 years will be initiated, as well as the recruitment of doctors specializing in various fields. Rodrigues will also be equipped with a branch of the ‘Nursing School’. As far as sport is concerned, it will be promoted at all levels. Whether it is collective sport, sport for all or elite sport. “Our athletes will have financial assistance for equipment and other facilities for their preparation for the 2022 CJSOI Games in Mauritius, as well as for the Indian Ocean Islands Games in Madagascar in 2023,” says the Chief Commissioner. As for the housing plan, the Rodrigues Housing and Property Development Co Ltd. will be re-established to help families access housing.
