the Port Mathurin Port Area, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauritius Ports Authorit…
(No. B/915) Mr J. F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Port Mathurin Port Area, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauritius Ports Authority – (a) information as to the development works, if any, currently being undertaken thereat and, if so – (i) give details thereof, and (ii) indicate whether these works have been subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, Preliminary Environmental Report or Strategic Environmental Assessment and to table copies thereof, and (b) copy of the Port Mathurin Port Master Plan 2024 or its Executive Summary, including details of its infrastructural requirements and table same.
Reply: I am informed by the Acting Director-General of the Mauritius Ports Authority that the latter organisation is presently not undertaking any development works at Port Mathurin. However, I presume the hon. Member is referring to upgrading works of the slipway at Port Mathurin, carried out by the Mauritius Ports Authority and completed on 12 September 2025. This slipway, which was constructed in the year 1990, plays an essential role for the maintenance and repair of vessels, including the two tugs of the Mauritius Ports Authority operating thereat. There was a need to carry out these upgrading works with a view to improving the safety and operational efficiency of the facility. With regards to part (a) (i) of the question, I am informed that the contract to replace part of the rail used to haul the vessels, was awarded on 19 March 2025 at the quoted price of Rs6,817,200 inclusive of VAT. With regard to part (a) (ii) of the question, such upgrading work is not a listed undertaking under the Sixth Schedule of the Environment Act. Accordingly, no Environment Impact Assessment, Preliminary Environmental Report or Strategic Environmental Assessment was required. As regards part (b) of the question, the Executive Summary of the Port Master Plan 2024 for Port Mathurin recommending an investment of approximately Rs4.6 billion for the construction of a new commercial quay and associated terminal facilities in order to cater for the medium and long-term requirements is being placed in the Library of the National
136 Assembly. The new development would include, inter-alia, the construction of a 175-metre- long commercial quay, dredging and reclamation, terminal pavement, utilities, lighting, port administration and passenger terminal building. Government is deeply committed to develop the ports, including that of Port Mathurin with a view to increasing the competitiveness of our economy. In line with paragraph 71 of the Government Programme, there will be a total revamping of the port and other infrastructure. The recommendations of this Plan would accordingly be considered in this modernisation process. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL – INTRODUCTION – WIDE PUBLIC CIRCULATION