2019 Abercrombie Market Project: Rs 30 Million Spent with Only 21% Completion

The Abercrombie market project, launched in 2019, remains unfinished after more than four years. Originally planned to include a modern market, a reading center, a gymnasium, and other community facilities, the project has faced numerous delays and issues.

Recently, during a parliamentary session on July 22, Deputy Ludovic Caserne questioned Minister of Local Authorities Ranjiv Woochit about the project’s status.

The minister revealed that the Port Louis municipality paid over Rs 21 million to a contractor after a unilateral contract termination.

However, according to Mayor Aslam Hossenally, the total amount spent has actually reached Rs 30 million, despite only 21% of the work being completed.

The project encountered early problems, including technical and administrative obstacles. Disagreements arose between the project consultant and the contractor, especially after a structure was built without official approval.

Design flaws were reported but not corrected. In May 2023, the contract was officially canceled following legal advice from attorneys Jadoo-Jaunbocus and Chetty, with the support of then Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Husnoo, Joe Lesjongard, and Bobby Hurreeram.

The arbitration tribunal later ruled in favor of the contractor on May 9, 2025, declaring the contract termination “without just cause.”

The original contract amount was Rs 25.38 million, but after deductions, the amount paid was Rs 21.25 million. Adding other procedural costs, the total expenditure is estimated at Rs 30 million.

Mayor Hossenally explained that the delay has impacted the entire project, which was supposed to feature a modern market, reading center, gym, and other facilities.

The contractor filed a lawsuit, and the court’s verdict has now prompted the municipality to forward the case to the Ministry of Local Authorities for reimbursement procedures.

Hossenally pointed out that this case highlights shortcomings in managing public projects and misallocation of public funds.

He said plans are underway to restart the project with a new call for tenders. The next steps include strengthening the existing structure and finding a temporary location for vendors until the new facilities are ready.

More than six years after its initial launch, the Abercrombie market project remains incomplete. The priority now is to resume work while minimizing disruption for vendors and local residents.

Source: Defi Media