The Rodrigues Airport Project Agreement was signed, this afternoon, at Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis, by the Government of Mauritius, the World Bank and the European Union (EU). This Agreement makes provision for funds totalling some USD 200 million (USD 184 million as loan from the World Bank and 15.6 million Euros as a grant from the EU) for the implementation of this project which aims at improving air transport access and enhance climate resilience and productivity in Rodrigues Island.
Signatories were the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy; the Ambassador of the EU to the Republic of Mauritius and to the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt; and the World Bank Country Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles, Mrs Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough.
The Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, Mr Franceau Aubret Grandcourt; the World Bank Group Resident Representative for Mauritius, Mr Sjamsu Rahardja;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps; and other personalities were also present on this occasion.
In his address, Minister Padayachy highlighted that this landmark project demonstrates the collaboration between the Republic of Mauritius and its development partners. He recalled that the EU has been providing various forms of support to Mauritius, especially during the last decade, while the World Bank has been offering technical support to our island.
The Finance Minister underscored that this strategic project for Rodrigues aspires to enhance air connectivity and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the island. He observed that air transport is an indispensable means of travel for Rodrigues and serves as a link to the global community. The construction of the new runway and associated facilities will thus allow larger aircrafts to land and increase airport capacity, he mentioned.
Speaking about other components of the project, the Minister stressed that they will ensure a sustainable and integr
ated development of the island that accompany the improvement in air access. ‘These components,’ he said, ‘relate mainly to technical assistance and small key investment aiming at enhancing Rodrigues’ agri-food system as well as water resources.’
Furthermore, Dr Padayachy seized the opportunity to remind that Government will continue to pursue the socio-economic development of the whole Republic, and commended the World Bank and the EU for their constant support and expertise.
The Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, for his part, underscored that the upgrading of the Rodrigues Airport is a game changer for the socio-economic development of the island. Mr Grandcourt moreover commended the EU, the World Bank and the Agence Française de Dévelopment for their support for the implementation of this project which has been designed to improve the lives of the Rodriguan people.
As for Ambassador Benedikt, he underlined that the event marks another step in the collaboration between the Republic of Mauritius and the EU
. He pointed out that the EU and World Bank support to Mauritius demonstrate both organisations’ common values as far as sustainable development is concerned. ‘The EU has been supporting various projects in Rodrigues for the past 19 years and will continue to do so for the years to come,’ he added.
For her part, Mrs Pswarayi-Riddihough remarked that the project will open doors to better connectivity, unlocking economic opportunities that will empower local communities and strengthen the ties between Rodrigues and Mauritius, and eventually with regional partners. She also reassured the World Bank’s commitment to continuing to work closely with local authorities to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
About the Rodrigues Airport Project
The Rodrigues Island Plaine Corail Airport Project aims at driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing sustainability on Rodrigues Island, making it a significant step towards the Republic of Mauritius’ inclusive and resilient development. The pro
ject is part of the broader efforts by Mauritius to modernise infrastructure and support climate resilience in line with the nation’s 2022 Tourism Development Plan.
Key components include: the construction of a new 2.1 kilometres runway and associated facilities, including a taxiway, parking stands for aircrafts and modern drainage systems; the implementation of energy-efficient technologies; the installation of airfield ground lighting, a new control tower and navigation systems; and the upgrading of rescue and firefighting facilities.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov
Source: Government of Mauritius