Infrastructure

1. Achievements for the period 1st July 2023 till date
➢ The implementation of the two main infrastructural development projects for improving sea and air connectivity to Agaléga, that is, the airstrip and the jetty, will go a long way towards improving the air and sea access to the island and contribute significantly to improving the standard of living of our Agalean brothers and sisters as well as also broaden the scope of economic activities in Agaléga.

➢ In addition, the implementation of these projects will also cater to the future development needs of Agaléga as well as implementation of measures to promote, protect and safeguard our maritime security needs in the following areas, amongst others –

i) Surveillance and monitoring of our vast EEZ of 2.3 million square kilometres;
ii) Counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and human trafficking;
iii) Controlling poaching and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;
iv) Provision of hydrographic services;
v) Promoting economic development, including blue economy initiatives;
vi) Emergency response, including search and rescue;
vii) Marine pollution response, and
viii) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief activities.

➢ Over and above the two main projects, there are six other small-scale, people-oriented, developmental projects that have been implemented in Agaléga. These projects relate primarily to socio-economic development, particularly creation of infrastructure in community development sectors and livelihood activities, amongst others. The six projects are –

i) Construction of a Library with computers and IT infrastructure
     • The project has been implemented on the North Island in Village Vingt Cinq to cater to the needs of both school goers as well as the local residents.
     • It is also equipped with four computers with internet connection.

ii) Construction of a larger shop
     • The project has been implemented on the North Island in Village Vingt to provide a fully air-conditioned larger shop with better storage conditions.

iii) Constructions of an Office-cum-Administrative quarters on South Island
     • The project has been implemented on the South Island in Village Sainte Rita as the South Island did not have an appropriate administrative office as well as the existing shop is small and old. This building also has an earmarked area which will function as community centre for South Island.

iv) Construction of Fish Landing Station
     • The project has been implemented on the North Island at La Fourche. The purpose of the Fish Landing Station is to facilitate and promote fishing activities in Agaléga.

v) Construction of a Community-cum-Multipurpose Hall
     • The project has been implemented on the North Island in Village Vingt Cinq. It consists of the construction of a building to accommodate a community-cum Multipurpose Hall for social activities.

vi) Two kiosks at boat-alighting points on both North and South Islands
     • The project consists of the construction of one kiosk at La Pointe on the North Island and one kiosk at La Pointe on the South Island to provide shelter for passengers waiting to boat.

➢ It is to be noted also that:
a) Except for scarcity areas necessitating foreign expertise or unavailability of adequately qualified local human resource, the facilities will be manned by Mauritian personnel and will be under the overall control of Mauritian authorities. The Committee mentioned earlier is also looking into the human resource aspect.
b) Moreover, some inhabitants of Agaléga, who have been provided basic training, will be further upskilled and their services will be enlisted as and when required in the operation of the facilities.

➢ STRATEGIC DIRECTION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (FY 2024/2025)
     • There is no doubt that with the new facilities in Agaléga, there is a huge potential for developing economic activities on the Islands while preserving its ecosystems.
     • In this context, the following capital expenditure projects for the FY 2024/2025, will ensure that none of our fellow citizens living in our
outer islands are left behind while the Republic cruises towards a
better and brighter future.
     • Purchase of Barge (Rs 9M) – To transport passengers and cargo for a better service delivery and security purposes.
     • Construction of Shed (Rs 5M) – To protect the vehicles against the climatic conditions prevailing on the islands and thus to ensure their effective use.
     • Outboard motors (Rs 3M) – To be used for barges for transportation of cargo and passengers.
     • Purchase of Rotary Slashers (Rs 3.8 M) – To be used for the preservation of the environment on the islands.
     • Purchase of Generator (Rs 2.5 M) – To provide the inhabitants with adequate electricity supply for their consumption.
     • Cold Room (Rs 1.0M) – To provide the inhabitants with good quality food being well preserved for their consumption.
     • Children play equipment (Rs 1.0M) – To provide the young people with adequate facilities to develop themselves and to engage them in sports/social activities for their own benefit.
     • IT server for Head Office (Rs 5.0M) – To ensure accuracy and completeness of data and information for reporting purposes.
     • Acquisition of Vehicles (Rs4.5M) – To provide the inhabitants with proper transport facilities.
     • MBC Transmission (Rs 17M) – To provide the inhabitants with a variety of TV channels offered by MBC for their distraction.
     • National Environment Cleaning Authority (Rs 2.3 M) – To protect the environmental conditions prevailing on the islands with the assistance of resource persons.

➢ Master Plan for the development of Agaléga

A Committee at the level of the parent Ministry is currently working on a Master Plan for the development of Agaléga.
The Committee is working in collaboration with all the Ministries concerned and the OIDC to ensure that all issues, including those raised during the Prime Minister’s visit are addressed, namely –

i) Implementation of mitigation measures against beach erosion;
ii) Protection of historical monuments;
iii) Provision of sports facilities;
iv) Development of fishing;
v) Upgrading of health services
vi) Boosting food crops and livestock production
vii) Improving fire and rescue service
viii) Enhancement of educational facilities
ix) Improvement of land transport facilities
x) Improvement of internet and mobile connectivity;
xi) Construction of housing units and maintenance of existing units and staff quarters, and (xii) employment opportunities and training
     • One new coconut oil extraction machine has been generously provided by RITES under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
     • In addition, the OIDC is in process of procuring another new coconut oil extraction machine.
     • Moreover, the OIDC is working on a project for further exploitation of coconut by-products.

➢ CONSTRUCTION OF 50 HOUSING UNITS UNDER THE NHDC PROJECT
     • There are presently 87 housing units in Agaléga: 52 in the North Island and 25 in the South Island. The number of houses on lease is 58 and the number of houses not on lease is 29. The Ministry of Housing & Land Use Planning was requested to prepare Lease Agreement, and a site visit was effected by their Officers to collect the documents. However, not all Agaleans submitted their documents to these Officers. The waiting list for housing request requests at 48 as at date.
     • The National Housing Development Co. Ltd (NHDC) is proposing to construct 50 housing units at Agaléga. 36 of these units will be located at the Village cinq in the North Island and 14 units at Village Sainte Rita in the South Island. NHDC is waiting for financial clearance to proceed accordingly.