World Bank & EU Co-Finance Rodrigues Airport Project

On September 23, a significant milestone was reached in the development of Rodrigues Island as the World Bank and the European Union (EU) signed an agreement to co-finance the construction of the Rodrigues Airport.

The signing ceremony took place at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port-Louis, featuring notable figures including Johnson Roussety, former Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues; Renganaden Padayachy, Minister of Finance; Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, World Bank Country Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, and Seychelles; Oskar Benedikt, EU Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles; and Franceau Grancourt, General Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.

The project is set to receive funding through a loan of $184 million from the World Bank and a grant of approximately €16 million from the EU.

The primary goal of the Rodrigues Airport project is to enhance air connectivity to the island while promoting sustainable development.

This initiative includes the construction of a 2,100-meter-long runway and associated facilities to accommodate larger aircraft, thus increasing airport capacity.

Minister Padayachy highlighted that the project aims to benefit the 44,000 residents of Rodrigues by stimulating economic activities, attracting investments, creating jobs, and enhancing training opportunities.

He emphasized that these developments would lead to increased incomes, poverty reduction, and an improved quality of life for the island’s inhabitants.

“This is, in fact, the largest project in the history of Rodrigues, involving multiple stakeholders.

The government has allocated Rs 1.4 billion to begin construction of the new runway at Plaine-Corail in the 2024/25 financial year,” he stated.

Oskar Benedikt, the EU Ambassador, expressed his pleasure in being part of this developmental initiative.

He noted that the EU’s contribution consists of €16 million, equivalent to Rs 800 million.

“We have partnered with the World Bank to manage these funds and the loan for construction,” he explained.

Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, representing the World Bank, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting inclusive and resilient growth in Mauritius and Rodrigues.

“Our collaboration with the government of Mauritius, the Rodrigues administration, and our partners reflects our shared commitment to promote sustainable development that benefits all segments of society,” she stated.

According to Franceau Grancourt, the General Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, the project promises several benefits for the island, including:

• Enhanced employment opportunities leading to an improved standard of living for residents.
• Improved medical transfer capabilities.
• Increased luggage and freight capacity.
• Greater passenger seating availability.
• Provision of essential air freight services for the import and export of high-value perishable goods, boosting high-yield tourism on the island.
• Positive impacts on private sector financing for direct and indirect services related to airport activities.

In terms of community relocation, Grancourt announced that the relocation process of households residing in Ste Marie Village, fishing posts, and agricultural activities is nearly complete as part of the airport development project.

“My office is conducting regular monitoring and oversight. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure the successful relocation of affected wildlife and flora in collaboration with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation,” he assured.

Additionally, the World Bank Group inaugurated its new office in Mauritius on the same day, marking a step forward in the Bank’s international cooperation initiatives launched by the Bank of Mauritius.

The Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, Harvesh Seegolam, noted that the establishment of this new office is signifying the confidence that international organizations have in the country’s reputation as a jurisdiction of substance.

Source: Defi Media