Rodrigues Port Set for Rs 4.6 Billion Upgrade as Master Plan Unveiled

A massive Rs 4.6 billion investment has been recommended for the comprehensive modernisation of the Port-Mathurin port in Rodrigues, according to the newly finalised Port-Mathurin Port Master Plan 2024.

The Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, announced the Master Plan’s completion, detailing that the investment is proposed for a new 175-metre-long commercial quay and a modern terminal.

Major Infrastructure Overhaul Proposed

The proposed works outlined in the Master Plan are designed to meet Rodrigues’ medium and long-term economic and logistical needs, aiming to boost the port’s capacity for maritime traffic, and support the island’s commercial and tourism activities.

Key elements of the extensive project include:

• The reconstruction of a commercial quay.
• Dredging and land reclamation.
• Construction of new port surfaces.
• Installation of lighting systems and utilities.
• A new administrative building.
• A dedicated passenger terminal.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the executive summary of the Master Plan will be lodged in the National Assembly library.

He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s ports, including Rodrigues’, as part of the 2025-2030 Governmental Programme, which seeks a complete overhaul of port infrastructures to increase national and regional economic competitiveness.

Recent Slipway Repair Completed

While the larger Master Plan is being advanced, the Prime Minister clarified that the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) is currently not undertaking any major development project on the site.

However, he confirmed that a rehabilitation project for the existing Port-Mathurin slipway was recently completed on September 12, 2025.

The slipway, constructed in 1990, is crucial for the maintenance and repair of vessels, specifically the two tugboats operated by the MPA in Rodrigues.

• The contract, awarded on March 19, 2025, focused on replacing a section of the rail used to haul vessels.
• The cost of the works, including VAT, amounted to Rs 6.8 million.
• Mr. Ramgoolam stated the rehabilitation was necessary to improve the operational efficiency and safety of the infrastructure.

Environmental Clearance Not Required

Responding to an environmental query regarding the slipway works, the Prime Minister confirmed that the project was not listed in Annex 6 of the Environment Act.

As such, no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Preliminary Environmental Report (PER), or Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was required for these specific improvement works.

The Premier’s statement came in response to a question posed by the Rodriguan Member of Parliament, Francisco François.

Source: Defi Media