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| Budget Speech 2008/2009 |
Mr. Chairperson, Sir, I beg to move the motion standing in my name, which reads as follows: “This Assembly resolves that for the purpose of Section 44 (1) of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act 2001, there is approved the draft estimates of recurrent revenue and recurrent expenditure and capital revenue and capital expenditure for the financial year 2008/2009.” 2. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, copies of the Draft Recurrent and Capital Estimates for financial year 2008/2009 are being tabled for circulation to members for approval by this Assembly. 3. I beg to move the motion. 4. M. Le Président, ce budget est le deuxième du présent gouvernement régional et s’inscrit dans la continuité des actions et politiques stratégiques entreprises depuis 2006. Quand nous avons assumé nos fonctions en 2006, Rodrigues sortait d’une léthargie caractérielle et il nous a fallu beaucoup de temps pour répondre à ce que le Peuple demandait immédiatement. Je vous cite en exemple le problème de l’accès à un bail résidentiel qui aujourd’hui n’est plus une souffrance pour beaucoup de jeunes voulant fonder une famille. Aujourd’hui M. Le Président les poussières de l’anxiété se sont apaisées sur la population rodriguaise. 5. Ce n ‘est pas pour cela que je vais vous affirmer que tout va pour le mieux à Rodrigues dans tous les domaines. Si nous avons aujourd’hui une équipe dynamique avec une réelle volonté de réussir le pari économique et social, des gens qui veulent travailler et réussir, nous avons aussi ceux qui se campent dans le laxisme personnel et la mentalité d’assistés. Il y a aussi, plus grave encore, d’autres, à l’instar d’une petite minorité de fonctionnaires qui sabotent le travail dans certains secteurs ou qui refusent de collaborer pour améliorer les services malgré toutes les motivations qu’on leur apporte. 6. M. Le Président, le présent budget a été élaboré avec le plus grand professionnalisme et tout le sérieux nécessaire pour un tel exercice. Dans ce budget je compte mettre beaucoup l’emphase sur les points suivants : 1. Sur l’éducation et la formation à tous les niveaux et en particulier donner beaucoup plus de chances à un plus grand nombre qui parfois ont le potentiel et la soif de réussir mais qui n’ont pas toujours les moyens de base pour réussir. Il nous faut aussi tout faire pour renverser la tendance au niveau du CPE. 2. Sur une vraie réorientation sociale et mentaliste dans
notre pays à travers une revalorisation des valeurs familiales, à travers
une revalorisation du métier de l’enseignant, en encourageant
chaque famille rodriguaise à mieux se prendre en main pour
l’avenir. Il y a une urgence sociale dans ce pays, il y a nécessité de
plus de responsabilisation individuelle par rapport à beaucoup
d’aspects comme la grossesse précoce, la drogue, le
surendettement, le mauvais planning familial, l’absence de
projet personnel etc. 4. Sur la poursuite de notre programme de développement de nos infrastructures avec l’emphase sur le développement routier, portuaire et aéroportuaire et l’amélioration de la qualité de la vie dans les villages et les infrastructures de sports et de loisirs. 5. Sur l’environnement terrestre et marin et les moyens à mettre en œuvre pour le protéger. 6. Sur la lutte contre la pauvreté et la lutte contre l’exclusion
sociale à travers le budget de la sécurité sociale
et les aides matérielles au logement 8. Sur le développement des infrastructures dans le secteur de l’eau, avec l’introduction des unités de déssalement et la mise en œuvre de la structure de gestion autonome de l’eau dans l’île. 7. While preparing this budget we have taken into consideration
the changing socio-economic environment. I have also had the opportunity
to hold meetings with staff of all the Commissions as from January
2008 and with all stakeholders. Separate meetings were also held
with the representatives of private sector and other Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) including the trade unions. 9. I am confident that my budgetary proposals would be approved by the members.
10. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, allow me to make a review of the socio- economic conditions prevailing on the island before presenting the orientation of the Budget and my proposals. 11. Last time, I presented the gloomy socio- economic situation left by a regime which has been in power for almost two decades. Members will recall that we inherited an economy with serious structural problems characterised by low economic growth, high unemployment rates, high emigration rate and high level of poverty as evidenced by the lowest Relative Development Index of Rodrigues in the Republic. Exports from our island are much behind the total imports from the main island. I also presented the poor situation in the agricultural sector with continuous decline in agricultural production and area under cultivation. I had informed this house that the situation could not be solely attributed to the climatic conditions but particularly due to the lack of political vision and poor management of the economy. 12. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, I am pleased to announce that we have already implemented the majority of the measures announced in my last Budget speech and I am confident that the remaining measures will be completed in the remaining months. 13. Let me mention our achievements over the past nine months: 14. First, the setting up and operation of four new companies namely Rodclean Co Ltd, Discovery Rodrigues Co Ltd, Rodrigues General Fishing Co Ltd and the Rodrigues Water Co. Ltd in order to address specific problems in the fields of solid waste management, tourism promotion, fisheries development and management of the water sector. These four companies are operating satisfactorily and output delivery is good. 15. Second, with respect of Legislation, one of the main responsibilities of this Assembly, we have done much better during the last few months compared to the previous Government. During the four years that they were in power, they did manage to pass merely four regulations in this House. Within a year, we have already passed regulations in fisheries and tourism sectors in order to protect our lagoon from overexploitation and in order to regulate the growing tourism sector. Regulations have also been passed as regards fixing of the price of fish. We will soon come forward with regulations on waste collection, land use and building permit. 16. Third, the Economic Planning and Monitoring Unit (EPMU) is now operational. Mr. Chairperson, I had the opportunity to work in the former Planning Unit of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development located on the ground floor of the Central Administration Centre. The Unit was dismantled by the former Government once they assumed office. They failed to realise the importance of planning for the economic development of a nation. The Economic Planning and Monitoring Unit now consists of a Statistical Section and an Economic Planning Section. The Statistical Section is compiling statistics on the major sectors of the economy and a staff development programme is being implemented with the collaboration and the financial support of the United National Development Programme (UNDP). We are also in discussions with the UNDP and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development over the introduction of a system of sub-national accounts for Rodrigues. Statistics such as GDP, external accounts, tourist arrivals and other basic economic fundamentals will be compiled separately for Rodrigues. An Officer has been recruited on contract basis to take charge of the EPMU and is also managing the SIDPR. We have already received the Final Draft Report of the SIDPR on which we have submitted our comments. 17. Fourth, we have established a proper institutional framework to support the promotion and development of private sector initiatives. Our Regional Government is quite well aware that private sector investment can generate gainful employment for our population. Local investment alone may not be sufficient to create a big impact on employment creation, we are therefore complementing local initiatives with investment from outside. We will strengthen and give extra support to the existing institutional framework supporting the development of the sector. The office of Companies Division in Rodrigues which was set up in August 2007 will be strengthened. Members will recall the difficulties our residents have encountered in the registration of new companies and submitting their returns and other legal documents to the Port Louis Office. I therefore invited the Registrar of Companies to set up an office in Rodrigues. As from 8 August 2007, the office is providing online registration of new companies. New companies can now be incorporated and returns submitted right in Rodrigues. Moreover, Registration Fees and other related Fees can also be paid at the same office. Currently, 275 companies and a few partnerships “Societés” are registered under the Companies Act in Rodrigues. Since the setting up of the Office, 38 applications for reservation of name have been approved and 29 new companies have been registered to date. The setting up of this office is a major achievement. We shall in a very near future start the process of registering businesses under the Business Registration Act 2002. 18. In addition to the office of the Companies Division, the Office of Invest Rodrigues has been very active in the implementation of the following activities:- • Support for the formulation and evaluation of private sector
projects 19. My office has approached the UNDP for support in the implementation of an Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation. The training will lay emphasis on the following: Business English, Book Keeping, Business Practices. The objective of the training is to inculcate an entrepreneurship culture among our educated class. The training is expected to start as from July 2008. 20. Fifth, besides the institutional framework for private sector investment, we have adopted the Strategic Planning Approach to tackle our economic problems. We announced our strategies for the development of Rodrigues when I addressed this Assembly in December 2006. We have also conducted studies on the fisheries sector, the water sector and the agricultural sector and the recommendations are being implemented rather than lying idle in some drawers as in the past. In line with the Central Government policy to introduce a Programme Based Budget (PBB), we have moved a step forward and are getting the support of the UNDP for the introduction of a specific PBB for Rodrigues. Consultations are progressing smoothly with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on this matter. Under the Programme Based Budget, the budget will be presented with emphasis on expected output or results rather than on costs or expenditure. This approach is likely to have a significant impact on project implementation and service delivery in different sectors. 21. Upon receipt of the SIDPR which has been prepared with the full participation of all stakeholders of our society, we propose to hold a high level seminar where donor agencies will be invited to extend their support for the implementation of our development programme. 22. Six, we are combating poverty in different fronts. We are not relying only on the social security system. Mr. Chairperson Sir, we inherited an economy with a high poverty rate. There are no miraculous solutions to the problem of poverty. However, we are convinced that the best way of reducing poverty is to provide employment opportunities for our unemployed. In the socio-economic evaluation of our development projects we do take into account its impact on poverty. Since acceding office, we have taken many measures to reduce the miseries of our people. 23. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, there has been a lot of misunderstandings on our stand on the issue of payment of bad weather allowance. We were alive to the fact that depriving these people of the allocation could lead to a lot of miseries as the community of fishers represents the poorest segment of our population. 24. Some national programme which were previously concentrating their activities in the island of Mauritius are now extending their support to the vulnerable segments of the population of Rodrigues. The five year Central Government Empowerment Programme aims to ease the burden of unemployment, enhance job prospects, narrow labour and skills mismatches, promote SME development while addressing gender inequalities. The programme is being extended to Rodrigues to address the high levels of poverty and unemployment on the island through initiatives and approaches that are relevant to the specific context of Rodrigues. The Empowerment Programme can play a crucial role in the alleviation of poverty provided a proper institutional framework is set up for its intervention in Rodrigues. The Empowerment Programme has (a) enlisted a representative of the Executive Council as member of a Sub-Committee of the programme dealing with projects pertaining to Rodrigues, and (b) proposes to recruit a Liaison officer for a Maison De Rodrigues to be set up in collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. Empirical evidence suggests that the education is the best tool to reduce poverty. I will therefore announce some measures aimed at the improvement in the level of education when dealing with the education sector. My Office will propose the setting up a Technical Coordinating Committee on poverty alleviation comprising the various actors in the sector such as the Trust Fund for Social Integration of Vulnerable groups, the Decentralised Cooperation Programme, the IFAD funded programme, the Empowerment Programme and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. The Committee will coordinate and consider all projects relating to poverty alleviation. This will eliminate the possibility of duplication and ensure a coordinated action thereby ensuring a more judicious utilization of financial resources. The EPMU of my Office will steer the Coordinating Committee. 25. Mr Chairperson Sir, we have a moral obligation to ensure that tax-payers money are used judiciously. We will exert extra control on undesirable and unnecessary expenditure. We want to have value for money. It is unacceptable that in a society where a large segment of our population are finding it difficult to make both ends meet, wastages are still being observed in certain departments or units. We will put a stop to this. I have already launched a battle against wastage. Accounting Officers have been requested to exert extra control over unwarranted expenditure such as abuse of telephone, overtime and misuse of government vehicles. 26. Seven, the Revenue Management Unit is now operational. In my last Budget Speech in March 2007 in this Assembly, I announced the creation of a new Revenue Management Unit under the control of my office to monitor the collection of all revenues payable to the RRA. The Unit is now operational and headed by a Principal Finance Officer. The Unit is monitoring the collection of revenue including all arrears on rental of Governmental property, rental of snacks, water rates and other dues such as trade and professional licenses payable to the RRA. 27. We have now moved a step further in respect of arrangements to collect registration fees on registration of deeds of sales and transfer of property and vehicles that was not payable in Rodrigues. The regulations are ready since last year and we are in consultations with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development over issues such as appeal on valuation of property and whether the revenue could be credited into the Rodrigues Consolidated Fund. SECTORWISE REVIEW AND PROPOSALS FOR 2008-2009 28. I will now move to a sector-wise review of each of the main areas of responsibilities of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and state our future policies and expenditure proposals for the next financial year.
TOURISM 29. Mr. Chairperson Sir, the Tourism Sector which is the principal engine of growth of our small economy has bounced back during 2007. After three years of downfall in the tourism sector, we have managed to redress the sector with a 13.2% increase in tourists arrivals in 2007 from 42,833 in 2006 to 48,497 in 2007. The arrivals of foreigners only have increased by 19.1% in 2007. 30. These positive results have brought back optimism in a sector which has suffered a lot over these past few years. It is the result of various measures taken by my Regional Government, namely: • The re-organisation and re-engineering of the tourism sector with the setting up of the Tourism Office and Discovery Rodrigues Co Ltd which are fulfilling their functions successfully; • Robust promotional measures in the Mauritian and international markets to increase the visibility of the Rodrigues destination and position itself into specific market segments. Our efforts in participation in tourism fairs such as Top Resa, World Travel Market, BIT and Salon Mondiale Du Tourisme added to the innovative “Soiree Rodriguaise” in Mauritius in December 2007 have all produced the desired results; • The visit of some 50 travel trade professionals from all parts of the world discovering the island and promoting same in various countries; • The upgrading of tourism product and services by establishing and maintaining norms and standards through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (Tourism) Regulations 2007 which was passed in this House in July 2007; • The continuous training and development of manpower in the sector, including the training of some 100 skippers with the support of the Tourism Authority.
32. Firstly, there are some strategic projects that need to be implemented and this include the runway extension at Sir Gäetan Duval Airport. 33. Secondly, there is need to increase the number and quality of tourists accommodations. In that respect, my office has reviewed all dormant hotel projects and cancelled the leases of promoters who have failed to set up their hotels. On the other hand, my office has received some 10 hotel and resorts projects proposals out of which 8 have been approved. These hotels projects will see construction works, I expect, starting this year. The room capacity of the island will nearly double within the next three years. 34. Thirdly, we will continue our promotional efforts. The budget for tourism promotion for the next financial year will be Rs 6 Million. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority will again provide Rs 6 Million for the next financial year. As such, Rodrigues would again be having Rs 12 million for the promotion of its tourism sector next year. 35. The Tourism Office is also working on strategies to encourage a higher percentage of the 1 million tourists visiting mainland Mauritius every year to visit Rodrigues. In that respect, large plasma screens have been placed in the arrival area of SSR International Airport where films and clips on Rodrigues will be projected on a 24-hr basis. My office is also working on establishing links with all tourism operators and travel agents in Mauritius and Reunion Island. After the Soirée Rodriguaise in Mauritius in December 2007, a similar Soirée Rodriguaise will be organized in Reunion Island this year. 36. In addition to the above main measures, various other actions are planned over the next financial year, namely: • The organization and promotion of key events in Rodrigues such as Festival Creole, Fete Du Poisson, Festival Accordeon and soon the Festival du Mais; • The improvement of tourists sites at Caveme Patates and Iles Aux Cocos by Discovery Rodrigues; • The development of other sites like the one at Trou D’Argent where the Tourism Fund would be contributing Rs 3 Million of the project; • The opening of an office of the “Tourism Authority” in Rodrigues further to the signature of a MOU between the RRA and the Tourism Authority in January 2008; • The re-engineering of the tourism office website and the development of a Rodrigues online web portal; • Development of new promotional materials such as maps, guides, brochures, CD’s and give-aways.
37. M. Le Président, il y a une impérieuse nécessité de sauver le lagon de Rodrigues et il faut une bonne fois pour toute prendre les mesures nécessaires et mettre les moyens qu’il faut. Le Gouvernement Régional va introduire à partir du premier juillet 2008 un plan de retraite volontaire pour les pêcheurs professionnels détenant une carte de pêcheur. Une somme de Rs 10 millions est prévue dans ce budget. Nous proposons Rs 40,000 à chaque pêcheur professionnel dans le lagon qui veut se retirer de la pêche. De plus cette compensation financée par l’Assemblée Régionale sera complémentée par le programme de micro crédit par l’Empowerment Programme pour la communauté des pêcheurs actuellement en phase de finalisation. Il faut comprendre que beaucoup de ceux qui détiennent ces cartes de pêcheurs ne sont pas vraiment des pêcheurs et seront mieux ailleurs s’ils sont relevés de cette activité. Avec les Rs 10 millions cette année nous comptons retirer 250 pêcheurs de la mer et ainsi soulager le lagon. Nous allons aussi nous assurer que ces gens ne retournent pas dans le lagon et des règlements stricts touchant la pêche dans le lagon seront introduits. Ce programme sera d’une durée de 4 ans. A terme M. Le Président le lagon de Rodrigues est appelée à se repeupler avec l’emphase sur la préservation. 38. Mr. Le Président, en ligne avec notre plan 2006-2011, nous avons déjà commencé la formation pour les pêcheurs hors lagon avec à terme 1000 pêcheurs formés. Nous sommes aussi en train de préparer une formation pour un premier groupe de 30 skippers de pêche en collaboration avec la Mauritius Maritime Academy. 39. M. Le Président, nous croyons dans les réserves marines et leur importance capitale dans la régénération de la vie marine. Nous sommes fiers d’avoir pu introduire et faire voter les règlements pour les réserves marines notamment à Rivière Banane, à Anse aux Anglais, à Grand Bassin et à l’Ile aux Cocos. Il nous faut maintenant faire respecter les provisions de ces réserves marines et les délimiter. Nous avons déjà entamé de placer des bouées jaunes pour la réserve de l’île aux Cocos. 40. M. Le Président, si nous voulons vraiment encourager les investissements dans la pêche hauturière et sur les bancs, il nous faut investir dans nos infrastructures portuaires. Cette année encore nous faisons provision pour le draguage du Port de Pêche de Pointe Monier en espérant que les contraintes techniques encourues par la MPA seront résolues. Entre temps comme nous avons bénéficié d’un appui budgétaire supplémentaire du Ministère des Finances nous avons commencé des travaux de remblais en pierre en prévision du draguage que nous envisageons à Pointe Monier et à Baie aux Huîtres. M. Le Président « énan larzan dans la mer ». 41. M. Le Président, comme annoncé dans mon plan quinquennal nous avons lancé la Rodrigues General Fishing Company Ltd à qui nous avons confié les locaux de la Maison des Pêcheurs. Nous attendons maintenant la livraison d’une machine à glace destinée à fournir de la glace pour la préservation du poisson aux bateaux de pêche. La RGFC Ltd a pour mission de gérer la maison des pêcheurs et pour la retransformer en un comptoir pour les produits de la mer. Avec le financement de l’Empowerment Programme nous allons cette année acheter un minimum de deux bateaux de pêche qui seront mis à la disposition des 10 coopératives crées dans le cadre de ce projet. Je crois dans la capacité du secteur de la pêche en termes de potentiel d’emplois durables. Mr Chairperson, Sir, 42. The Rural Diversification Programme (RDP) which was meant to improve and upgrade the quality of life of the inhabitants of Rodrigues is nearing completion and a new Marine and Rural Support (MARS) programme which will be implemented over a period of six years will be launched in due course. The new programme will benefit the poor of Rodrigues and that of Mauritius. Both the fishermen and the agricultural communities will benefit from the programme. The programme will facilitate the establishment of demonstration farms for aquaculture projects, for the preparation of feasibility studies for aquaculture project and technical support for the development of crop and the Livestock sector. MARINE SERVICES AND PORT DEVELOPMENT 43. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, the Indian Navy Ship ‘SARVEKSHAK’ carried out a Hydrographic Survey of Port Mathurin Harbour and its surroundings up to Pointe Malgache. A Hydrographic Survey was last done in 1874. This survey will facilitate us in the planning of our port development activities 44. Contract for de-silting works at Port Mathurin – Pte. Monier will be awarded shortly by the Mauritius Ports Authority in order to facilitate the movement of boats and also provide safe berthing facilities for fishing boats. Concurrently, tenders for the preparation of the feasibility study for the proposed port at Oyster Bay with appropriate berthing facilities for medium size fishing vessels has been floated. 45. The Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd which provides a regular service as per the present policy has reassured that same will be sustained during the next financial year in order to cater for all our needs. On average, three to four trips will be organised on the run Mauritius-Rodrigues. Moreover, for security reasons and as per international norms, detailed petroleum/dangerous cargo trips will also be scheduled. 46. I am making a provision of Rs 20 million in the Capital Budget for port and fisheries development infrastructure works.
47. During the last Budget speech I presented the situation in the agricultural sector where most of the output indictors were in the red. Currently, the world is experiencing a general inflation of food commodities which is posing much challenge to many countries, especially in Low Income Food Deficit Countries (LIFDC). In October 2007, the Director General of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Dr. Jacques Diouff has rightly pointed out that the “days of cheap food are over”. The general impact of the increase in food prices may have low incidence on rich countries where the standard of living is expected to lower by 3% for one third increase in food price but a decrease of up to 20% of standard of living could be expected in poor countries. It is clear that since the world has become a global village, Rodrigues will also suffer from food insecurity and price increase. 48. M. Le Président, nous irons de l’avant avec le concept PRODUITS PAYS: “Produire sa ki ou manze, manze sa ki ou produire”. Une campagne permanente encourageant les rodriguais en général à favoriser et à valoriser les produits locaux commencera bientôt avec pour objectif une meilleure mise en relation entre producteurs et acheteurs. 49. This is why, Mr. Chairperson, Sir, my government has already launched numerous actions in order to increase local production to reinforce the food balance of our island. The concept ‘du Rodriguais eleveur et planteur’ is being capitalised upon, to cut on import of food stuffs while promoting export of renowned Rodriguan produce in Mauritius and other potential countries. We believe strongly in “produire sa ki ou mange, mange sa ki ou produire”. 50. Farmers are being encouraged to increase production and we are providing them with support services like mechanical land preparation, pest control and extension. The results of these measures have been quite positive: the production of onion has more than doubled from merely 174 tons to 394 tons, a 126% rise while the area under maize has risen from 260 arpents to 400 arpents, representing an annual increase of 35% over the previous year. The Agricultural Services is also encouraging agricultural diversification and fruit production through the provision of seedlings, seeds and fruit trees. 51. In November 2007, the road map of the Agricultural sector in Rodrigues has been patched by the Commission for Agriculture in its Strategic Options for the Agricultural sector in Rodrigues for the period 2002-2015 where production targets for each sub- sector has been elaborated. Let me highlight some of the measures for the Agricultural sector: • The Extension Service has been invigorated with the recruitment of new staff and training of existing Officers who are providing better service to the farmers. To date 696 farmers have benefited from the free mechanisation scheme over an area of 484 acres of agricultural land. • In order to provide marketing support to farmers, the Rodrigues Trade and Marketing Co. Ltd has recently recruited a Manager. It will play a key role in connecting producers and buyers and ensure that the farming business generates enough profit to support household expenses entirely. Thus farmers will become better entrepreneurs and shall employ additional labour to combat the unemployment problem. The company will promote exports of agricultural produce and undertake or commission promotion campaigns and market studies. • For those interested to start agribusiness, the Commission is now putting one hectare (1 ha) of land at the disposal of each farmer for the setting up of an integrated Unit Farm. Some 1280 agricultural permits are presently being surveyed prior to conversion into agricultural leases. Modern surveying tools such as GIS are being used to map the agricultural land. • Emphasis will be laid on animal production so as to maximize revenue notwithstanding the consolidation and increase in production of our specific crops like lemon, red local beans, onion, garlic, honey, exotic fruits and chillies. • A new concept of Agricultural village is being put in place by the Commission for Agriculture to ensure a sustainable production of the targeted commodities. • The natural resources rehabilitation programme will be strengthened. To date the main works that have been executed include the rehabilitation of Fond La Bonte Dam, the maintenance of gabion dykes, maintenance of springs, rehabilitation of eleven rivers, the rehabilitation of irrigation network and the construction of water harvesting structures. 52. In order to further support the agricultural development and empowering the farmers community and to achieve a higher level of food security, a provision of Rs 9M is being made for the agricultural sector. In addition, we think that the Mont Lubin market is becoming inappropriate as regards the needs of the users. I am providing Rs 1 million for the preliminaries of a new market place for Mt. Lubin.
53. I have just reviewed our initiatives in the promotion of the private sector initiatives. We are working in close collaboration with Enterprise Mauritius, the Board of Investment, Small Enterprises and Handicraft Development Authority (SEHDA) and the Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd for the development of Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rodrigues. The office of “Invest Rodrigues” has supported the initiatives of several entrepreneurs to set up their own business. Several training programmes have been organised in collaboration with the Deputy Chief Commissioner’s Office and the SEHDA. Projected activities during the next financial year in collaboration with SEHDA include short term training programme in Entrepreneurship, Garment making, meat and fish processing, packaging and labelling. Besides, SEHDA proposes to carry out awareness campaigns in all the 6 zones and secondary schools, business counselling and facilitation, library services, setting up of a procurement committee for the purchase of local products, organisation of local fairs and craft competition. These activities will further contribute in the promotion of entrepreneurship development spirit thereby creating more Income Generating Activities. INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY 54. Mr Chairperson, Sir, I now move to the Infrastructure sector starting with the Water Resources sector.
Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 55. In my last budget speech, I spelt out the commitment of my Regional Government to break the water bottleneck. I am pleased to inform that “un travail colossal a été abattu dans ce secteur” and we are moving towards a revolution in the water sector. The measures will encompass the following activities: (a) sustainable use of the scarce water resources (b) the setting up of new infrastructure for water catchment and storage; (c) improvement in the quality of the water and the water distribution network; and (d) the consolidation of the Rodrigues Water Co. Ltd and the start of its activities. 56. The policy of this Regional Government is to enhance and promote all efforts towards the efficient, equitable and optimum utilization of the available water resources of Rodrigues for the social, economic and environmental sectors on a sustainable basis. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 57. Water is a prime natural resource of capital importance for survival and human health, and a precious national economic asset as well as one of the main resources required for sustainable development. Therefore the planning, development and management of water resources is being carefully looked into. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 58. It breaks my heart to announce that the previous Regional Government had completely neglected the water sector over the two decades it managed the affairs of the island. In year 2000, Lux-Consult had submitted a report after carrying an assessment of the present and future water requirements of the island of Rodrigues up to the year 2020 and made proposals concerning the rehabilitation, upgrading, and extension of the existing network. The Lux-Consult report of 2000 recommended the implementation of rain water harvesting, construction of dams/impounding reservoirs and the setting up of desalination plants. A water development programme was presented with actions over the short term that is up to 5 years, medium term (5 -10 years) and long term (10 -20 years) 59. The actual surface and underground water production is 6500 m3 during rainy season and 5200 m3 during dry season. Such production is inadequate to meet water demand of the population for domestic purposes estimated to 10,000m3 /day. After fielding a mission in Rodrigues last year officers of the Central Water Authority recommended that we go ahead with the procurement of two desalination plants and same is expected in Rodrigues shortly. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 60. This office is moving towards modernization of the water sector and therefore a professional approach is much required. We are taking the following measures to increase water supply: 61. We are going ahead with the construction of a new dam on Riviere Pistache. This project is one that is dear to us all and it ranks high up on our agenda. In fact the proposal to construct a dam on Rivière Pistache dates far back to the 1960’s when Kenneth Marelius carried out a study on the water resources in Rodrigues at the request of UNDP and submitted a report on Water Development in Rodrigues. Given that the feasibility study which include also the Environment Impact Assessment has been carried out, it is beyond common sense to figure out why this project has never taken off. The overall capital costs of the dam as per year 2004, including treatment works and conveyance system was estimated at Rs. 701 millions of which 80% constitutes construction works. We have submitted this project to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for foreign funding as same could not be funded solely from local resources. The decision to go ahead with the construction will be a major milestone in the socio economic development of Rodrigues. The construction of the dam will require a large labour force thereby contributing to alleviate the problem of unemployment. 62. During this financial year I am allocating Rs. 40 million to start the construction of the dam. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 63. We are going ahead with the setting up two desalination plants. In view of the chaotic situation at the end of last year the CWA recommended that the only immediate solution is to install prefabricated desalination plants in two strategic locations in Rodrigues, namely at Mt. Venus and Songes. I am pleased to announce that two desalination units for the total cost of Rs 34 millions have already been ordered. 64. We are also going ahead with the desalination of brackish water from the boreholes to increase the underground water production to about 1,000 m3 daily. The project will consist of installation of containerized Osmosis Brackish water purification on three sites namely Baie Topaze, Camp du Roi and Fond la Digue. Water production by the plant will vary according to the safe yield of the borehole. Water will be treated and pumped to Creve Coeur, Hauteur Accacia and Camp Pintade reservoirs. 65. Thirdly, we will promote rainwater harvesting at household and institutional levels. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 66. In respect of distribution of potable water, we are taking the following measures:- 67. In order to determine the quantity of water to be provided in networks online flow meters will be installed to determine the exact amount of water that is provided and required in terms of cubic meters. The project will consist of the supply installation and commissioning of flow meters to enable the quantification of the data which will be of capital importance into the management and distribution of water from service reservoirs. 68. A survey will be carried out with the collaboration of Central Water Authority’s technical support to set up a detailed list of all inlet and outlet pipes to determine the diameter of the flow meters to be installed and their respective measuring capacity. Through such a project, the Water Resource Unit will be in a better position to establish a sound record of water production, storage and distribution. In addition this will help the authority concerned to assess the future design required for water distribution networks. I am therefore allocating a sum of Rs 2 million for the execution of this project. 69. The perimeters of all boreholes have been left unprotected since their installation. The vicinities of these boreholes are constantly being subjected to pollution by straying animals. This could pose a serious threat to the quality of water being produced as it could be sources of public health hazards. The fencing of the perimeter of these boreholes will help to reduce the risk of contamination of underground water and will provide security to the borehole and related infrastructure. 70. The Malabar Water Resources Unit will be provided with additional laboratory equipment for water testing. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 71. All water distribution networks which are laid on ground surfaces are vulnerable to illegal tapping operations, vandalisms and act of sabotages. Given the high yearly investment, laying all the pipes in trench with appropriate gradient installation valves will provide a much simpler method of operating the networks with less man power. In the last budget, provision was made for the consultancy study of the redesign of networks in the northern region. It is now proposed to contract out the project on a turnkey basis. 72. The network of pipes laid on the ground surface is both unsightly and inadequately protected against vehicular and storm damage. This causes much inconvenience as broken pipes contribute to almost 50% of loss due to leaks. 73. My Regional Government is aiming at reducing water losses due to leakages. In this connection a leakage control programme has been designed using appropriate equipment, refined work practices and new policies. This will allow a reduction of losses due to leakage and inevitably increase the amount of water available for distribution to consumers. I am therefore allocating an amount of Rs 1 million to put in place the water leakage control programme. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 75. Water is a scarce commodity and should be priced to reduce uncontrolled wastage. Unfortunately over the years it has been supplied almost as a public good and thus the heavy wastage. Our Recurrent and Capital Expenditure on water continues to rise. We will not be able to recoup the investment costs being given the low average income of our households. But we must come up with an appropriate tariff system whereby the unit charge will be higher for the incremental cubic metre of water consumed. This system will also discourage waste of water and promote water harvesting at the level of households. 76. With the measures which I have mentioned the water production and distribution to our population will be improved for the first time in the history of the island. LANDS 77. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, in the five-year Government Programme, we stated that our policy would be geared towards rapid allocation of leases to empower the people of Rodrigues and facilitate economic development. Since August 2006, various long outstanding applications for state land leases have been processed. In year 2007, some 900 additional leases have been granted. Our objective is to continue granting leases and eliminate the backlog created over the years. 78. Last year, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly had appointed a Select Committee, as per provisions of the RRA Act, to examine the possibility of allowing, under conditions to be determined, beneficiaries of residential houses granted by the Government and generally owners of residential houses to become the private owners of the state land presently occupied by them, and to make such recommendations as it deems appropriate. The Committee has already had several meetings including meetings with the stakeholders and will soon submit its report and recommendations for consideration by this House. 79. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, within the reorganisation exercise being undertaken in the land section: • the ex-Land Squad which was not operational since 2006 has been reorganised into the Land Enforcement Unit and is now reinforced with officers from the Agricultural Services, Forestry Services, Inspectors and Police Officers. The objective is to prevent people from squatting on state lands and to ensure that a proper system is set up for deterring, preventing, controlling and evicting squatters on state lands. • The Land Section has been reorganised and the following actions taken:- • The Land Section at the Central Administration has been transferred to the Cadastral Unit with a view of making the section a One Stop Shop for land matters.
• Three Trainee Land Surveyors have been enlisted and are now following a training course in Mauritius. • A fast track for allocation of lease for productive purposes through Invest Rodrigues has been adopted. 80. The pledging of leasehold rights has been reviewed in order to give more flexibility and independence to local inhabitants who hold a lease to pledge their rights for a wider variety of options. Pledging of rights was previously only authorised for the construction or extension of houses on the leased land. However, consideration is now also given for applications for permission for pledging of rights on a case to case basis for cases such as loan for business activity; purchase of vehicles; and payment of university fees for children, etc. 81. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, the Housing and Cadastral Survey which started in May 2006 is ongoing and has covered zones 1, 2, 3 and 5. The survey is expected to be completed in May 2008, with a computerized digital map and database of land for Rodrigues. However, it has been noted that the project only covers the survey of land as at the time of survey and no provision has been made for a dynamic Geographical Information System (GIS). To address this shortcoming, provision is being be made for the setting up of a GIS system at the Cadastral Office and the setting up of a Land Information Unit. My Office is also working with the Steering Committee of Land Administration, Valuation and Information Management System (LAVIMS) Project in Mauritius in that respect. 82. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, the development of Rodrigues should be made in an organised and controlled manner to preserve the island’s specificity. In that respect, my Government will come up this year with the Land Use Regulations which will define and legalise the different agricultural, forests, tourists, residential and other zones in Rodrigues. A Land Use Plan will be prepared and formalised. ROADS 83. With a view to facilitating the free access and movement of the people and vehicles and facilitating inland communication we have elaborated a road development programme. The road development programme aims at upgrading and extending the existing network, reducing travel time and catering for increase of traffic flow and increasing the safety of road users. 84. During this financial year the Commission for Public Infrastructure has implemented the following roads infrastructure costing about Rs 72 M:- (a) Construction of roads from Anse Aux Anglais to Terre Rouge (Phase
1) and Anse Aux Anglais to Terre Rouge (Phase 2) which is still ongoing (c) Resurfacing of 100 metres along from Saint Gabriel Cooperative junction to Ste. Famille (d) Box Culvert at Terre Rouge and Baie Du Nord and the upgrading of Esplanade at Baie Du Nord 85. Road construction is becoming more expensive due to the rise in the price of aggregates and diesel. During the next financial year, the Commission will contract out some of the roads while some parts will be executed in house. I am making a provision of Rs 40 M to construct or improve the following roads: • Grande Montagne – Brulé 86. In addition to the construction of above asphalt roads, we are quite conscious of the importance of the community track roads. The construction of track roads and footpaths has facilitated the accessibility of the villages to the main road linkages. A few kilometres of track roads and footpaths will also be constructed for the benefits of those living in remote and scattered areas. 87. The National Transport Authority has granted 33 taxi licenses in Rodrigues. The Taxis are facilitating the movement of people throughout the island, mainly after normal hours when bus services are not available. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 88. My Regional Government will proceed with the construction of Winston Churchill Bridge in order to improve the traffic flow within Port Mathurin. An amount of Rs 5.7 m has been earmarked for the construction of the bridge.
89. Mr. Chairperson Sir, it is our wish to spread ICT wide and large in Rodrigues. During the year 2007, our island witnessed the • Introduction of ADSL in Rodrigues which will be gradually available on the whole island of Rodrigues; • the training of several of our people within Universal ICT Education Programme/1C3 in Rodrigues. 90. Our island, including the Government administration, is well behind in the ICT sector. Within the next financial year, a full fledge IT Unit with trained and qualified staff will be set up within the RRA. The IT Unit, in addition of being responsible for the running and maintenance of all IT infrastructure of the RRA, will also promote the ICT sector as a whole in Rodrigues. The IT Unit will undertake the duties and tasks that are performed in Mauritius by the National Computer Board, the Central Informatics Bureau and the Central Information Systems Division. The Unit would be headed by a qualified professional who would be responsible for the development and implementation of ICT projects in Rodrigues, including the management of the websites of Rodrigues Administration. 91. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, one of the major restrictions to the development of our ICT sector in Rodrigues is connectivity. Our island is remotely located by nature. This remoteness can be eliminated through rapid communication and connectivity. In the long term, connectivity to the external world would be an essential precondition to Rodrigues integrating the global economy and especially for the development of the ICT sector. My office is presently pursuing negotiations with the Central Governmnet regarding connection to the EASSy or SAFE fibre optics global submarine cable network. The EASSy/SAFE network would provide our island with international bandwidth capacity and ensure reliability of our international connectivity and would be a major breakthrough in bringing ICT investment climate in Rodrigues in sectors such as call centers, disaster recovery centers, back up for Mauritian’ institutions, contingency planning, etc. and would be a major area for creation of employment in the island.
92. The Environment programme is geared towards protection of terrestrial and marine ecosystem, the implementation of community and embellishment projects, waste collection and its disposal, sensitisation campaigns, promotion of recycling activities and the upgrading of the public beaches. During this financial year, the Commission for the Environment has been very active in the implementation of its environment protection programme. Let me mention some of its achievements. 93. The following community projects have been implemented with a view to enhancing the quality of life and also upgrading a physical environment conducive to the development of tourism:- • The setting up of a children’s playground at Bay Lascars with adequate playground equipment. • The Embellishment of green corner at junction of road near Chez Ram Restaurant at Bay Lascars in collaboration with Lions Club. • Uplifting of roundabout at Pointe La Gueule with the plantation of decorative plants, installation of pine barriers, fixing of benches and erection of a kiosk. • Creation of an Environmental park at Anse Aux Anglais. • Embellishment of roadsides at Ti Reserves, Citronelle and the Bus Terminal at Bay Lascars, Pointe La Gueule and Baie du Nord. Decorative plants have also been planted on those sites. 94. In respect of solid waste management, Rodclean Ltd was incorporated by the RRA in October 2007 for collection, transportation of wastes and cleaning works at specific establishments and sites over the whole island. The scope of works of the company has been increased to include the collection of waste from more villages and also the daily cleaning of most populated areas as well as tourist attraction sites. These enhancements are being carried out at lower cost to the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. 95. During the next financial year, a provision of Rs 13 million is being made to provide different facilities to remote villages with a view to improving the standard of living. These facilities include (a) installation of street lighting, construction of footpath / handrails, (b) the construction of toilets on public beaches (c) provision of litter bins (d) export of plastic product to Mauritius for recycling purposes (e) the rehabilitation of waste water disposal facility at Grenade (f) the upgrading of Roche Bon Dieu Dumping site (g) the upgrading of public beaches (h) collection and disposal of waste (i) the embellishment of the roadsides from Mont. Lubin to Creve Coeur and at Pointe La Gueule. 96. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, with regards to Energy Self-Sufficiency Strategy for Rodrigues, with the recent surge on oil prices in the world market, the use of cheaper alternate sources of energy are being considered. A strategic plan has been elaborated by the Commission for Environment aiming at reducing our dependence on imported fuel. A Renewable Energy Unit will be set-up to promote, develop, implement and monitor different renewable energy projects, especially those relating to the use of wind energy 97. In respect of protection of the environment, the Regional Government will come forward with two regulations. In conformity with Section 31 of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act 2001, the Collection of Refuse Regulation will be presented in this Assembly. The objectives of the regulations are threefold: (1) to charge a fee for the collection of refuse from trade premises (business, restaurant, hotels, etc.). (2) to encourage the occupiers of any premises to maintain the cleanliness of their environment and (3) to enable better control on the handling of refuse from residential and trade premises prior to collection and transport through the use of an appropriate receptacle. New regulations will also be presented for collection of a Building Permit Fee. The Fee will cover the recurrent expenditure incurred in connection with the processing of the permit including the site visit. MARINE PROTECTED AREAS AND COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT 98. The Marine Protected Area project aims at developing an innovative co-management model for the conservation and resource management of the marine environment at a representative demonstration site in Rodrigues. Though there was an initial delay in the start up of the project, the project activities are moving smoothly. My Regional Government expedited matters in August 2006 and the various committees for the management of the Marine Protected Area project have been set up and the participation of the fishers community enlisted. 99. We are planning to gazette the boundaries of the Marine Protected Area shortly. This gazetting will enable the full-fledged implementation of the Marine Protected Area project, which caters for the zoning of the protected areas as well as the enforcement of the appropriate rules and regulations. 100. An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Committee has been set up. The Committee will work in close coordination with the National Committee based in Mauritius. The Committee will lay emphasis on coastal erosion, regulations for better ICZM and lagoon siltation. 101. I am making a provision of Rs. 2 million in the Capital Budget for the continued implementation of the Marine Protected Areas project in Rodrigues.
102. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, our island is located in an area prone to tsunamis and effects of earthquakes. During the last tsunamis, the whole Indian Ocean was taken by surprise by this natural phenomenon. Since the last tsunamis, various preventive measures have been implemented within the islands of the Indian Ocean to set up a quick tsunami/earthquake detection and warning system. In that respect, the French authorities will be placing a seismometer apparatus in Rodrigues which is expected to cost around Rs 3 million. A concrete structure to accommodate the apparatus will be constructed in-house for that purpose.
AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT & CIVIL AVIATION 104. Mr Chairperson, Sir, as I mentioned in our five-year Government Programme, Civil Aviation is in modern societies a sine qua non of economic development. In that respect, negotiations have been carried out with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Tourism, Leisure and External Communications on all issues pertaining to air access to Rodrigues. 105. Our airport has now been named Sir Gäetan Duval Airport to pay tribute to the latter’s contribution in the socio-economic development of this island. We have had fruitful consultations with the Ministry of External Communications over the need for adequate infrastructure in order to receive more passengers. I am pleased to announce that after fruitful discussions with the Central Government, a feasibility study has been undertaken by GIBBS consultancy firm for the construction of an alternative airport runway. The aim of the airport runway project is to accommodate larger aircrafts such as Airbus 319 so as to reduce the cost of air tickets, enable international and regional flights as well as bring in larger investors in the tourism sector. GIBBS consultancy firm has submitted the feasibility report for the project together with estimated costs and financing options. The report is now being scrutinised. In light of the above, I am therefore making a provision of Rs 1 M for preliminary studies in respect of future development at Sir Gäetan Duval Airport. A budget item is thus being created in the Capital Estimates for this project. 106. Air Mauritius, our national airline has confirmed that they will consolidate their operations on Rodrigues by increasing their base operations in Rodrigues from two to three daily flights during almost 7 months of the year with modulations during the off peaks. They have already started five daily flights as a regular feature during the peak periods to provide for sufficient seat capacity. Arrangements are being made for the airport to be opened beyond 2100 hours in the near future to enable sustainable development of the Rodrigues route. SOCIAL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY EDUCATION 107. I now come to the social sector of the economy. As the education sector is called upon to play a major role in the achievement of economic independence, much emphasis is being laid to boost up the level and quality of education at pre-primary, primary and secondary schools in line with the Government’s vision to provide a world class quality education. I would like to start with a review and achievement of the Education sector. Mr Chairperson, Sir, 108. Pre-primary education is important and we must give it the place it deserves. We want all our children to learn in a good physical environment moving smoothly. The construction of a pre-primary School at Terre Rouge Government School has started and will soon be ready for use by the infants of the catchment area. During this financial year, a grant of Rs 1,800,000 has been released to Pre-Primary schools. 109. In order to improve the primary school infrastructure and with a view to promoting good sanitary and hygienic conditions, a new toilet block has already been constructed at Mangues Government Primary School while tendering procedures are being carried our for the rehabilitation of the toilet Block at Basile Allas Port Mathurin Government School. 110. Under the School Feeding Project, pupils of pre-primary and primary schools have been benefiting from milk and bread as well as cheese, butter and fruits. A balanced lunch is also provided to pupils of Ste Therese de l’Enfant Jesus RCA School under the Zone d’Education Prioritaire (ZEP) project in line with the national policy. 111. One morning newspaper is being distributed to each of the 13 Primary Schools on a daily basis so as to promote a reading culture among the pupils. The primary schools belonging to the Roman Catholic Education Authority are constantly improving their performance. In order to support them in the infrastructure improvement works, a grant of Rs 1 Million has been released to the Authority. I am informed that the grant has been used for the construction of new toilets, renovation of classroom equipment, painting of schools, and refurbishment of part of the Hall of Saint Esprit RCA School. 112. As announced in the Budget Speech 2007/2008, a special additional grant of Rs 50,000 has been allocated to each Parent-Teachers’ Association of each Primary Schools to be used for minor repairs and acquisition of specific, pedagogical tools to improve the teaching and learning process. 113. So as to foster equal opportunities for education to the disabled, a per capita grant of Rs 200 is paid per pupil per month to the three Special Education Needs (SEN) institutions namely Gonzague Pierre Louis Learning Centre, Association des Handicapés Mentaux de l’île Rodrigues (AHMIR) and the Rodrigues Association for the Disabled Specialised School. 114. In the context of the Free Book Loan Scheme, necessary arrangements have been made to provide additional books required by students. The aim of the project was to alleviate the hardships faced by most parents in funding the purchase of school textbooks for their wards at secondary level. 115. With a view to streamlining the admission procedures to Form I mainstream, the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate has been requested to carry out the exercise as from 2008, in the same way as in Mauritius. As such, for the first time on the very day of the proclamation of the Certificate of Primary Examinations results, parents were already informed of the secondary schools where their wards will be admitted. 116. The Study on the causes of CPE failures initiated since August 2007 has now been completed and a high powered committee has been set up to work out an action plan to improve the quality of education in primary schools in Rodrigues based on the results of the study. 117. The RRA has responsibility for providing adequate infrastructure for the running of secondary classes in schools managed by REDCO Ltd. In this respect tenders for the construction of six additional classrooms at Mont Lubin College will be floated shortly.
118. All authorities in child development such as Jean Piaget are of the view that appropriate education should start as from the age of two which he calls the pre-operational state of child education and the experience of these infants at this stage influence their future decisions and achievements. We cannot therefore ignore our pre-primary school children. According to a survey of the “Association Des Ecoles Maternelles de L’ile Rodrigues”, the federation of the pre-primary schools, some 360 children especially those aged three to four years are not attending any pre-primary school. 119. M. Le Président il y a une injustice flagrante envers les petits enfants actuellement dans le pré primaire et qui en même temps constitue pour moi une inégalité sociale inacceptable. L’Education pré primaire est payante à partir de l’age de trois ans alors que la pratique actuelle est qu’elle fait l’objet de subsides à partir de l’age de 4 ans à 5 ans seulement. Ce qui se passe c’est que beaucoup de parents n’arrivent pas à payer pour les frais d’écolage pour les ages de 3 à 4 ans avec pour résultat que les enfants qui peuvent payer se développent mieux ayant bénéficier de deux ans de préparation avant l’entrée au primaire à l’age de 5 ans. 120. Cette situation est en contradiction avec la Convention des Droits de l’Enfant notamment les articles 2 – Non discrimination, 3 – Meilleur intérêt de l’enfant, 28 – opportunités égales dans l’éducation, 29 – développement des talents, la personnalité et les facultés physiques et mentales de l’enfant. 121. M. Le Président nous allons mettre fin à cette injustice en introduisant un système de subsides aux écoles maternelles pour que tous les petits rodriguais dont les parents ne peuvent pas payer puissent avoir accès à l’éducation pré primaire dès l’age de 3 ans ! 122. En sus de cela M. Le Président j’ai fait provision dans le budget de l’éducation pour que chacune des 33 écoles maternelles de Rodrigues soit dotée d’un téléviseur et d’un lecteur de DVD ou de l’équivalent financier pour d’autres projets allant dans ce sens. Nous allons aussi réhabiliter et améliorer l’environnement des écoles pré primaires et aussi investir dans la formation des Miss maternelles, qui font un travail formidable mais qui trop souvent n’est pas assez reconnu et valorisé.
123. M. Le Président, il y un problème dans les écoles primaires de Rodrigues. Quelque chose ne tourne pas rond car selon moi il n’est pas normal que 51% des candidats au CPE ne réussissent pas malgré les efforts et la détermination du personnel de ces écoles. J’ai demandé qu’un Plan d’Urgence soit élaboré par la Commission de l’Education pour combattre le fort taux d’échec du CPE mais en y réfléchissant j’ai trouvé qu’il nous faut aller plus loin. Voici ce que je propose pour améliorer la situation : 124. La mise en place d’une Task Force multidisciplinaire sur la question du CPE et de l’éducation avec le Chef Commissaire comme Président. 125. L’introduction d’un mois de révision avant la date des examens pendant lequel l’Assemblée Régionale n’autorisera pas de concerts, de bals, de fancy fairs et autres meetings politiques sur une base pilote cette année. Dans ce cadre je demande à tous de collaborer. Toute l’île Rodrigues doit accompagner ses enfants aux examens du CPE. Chaque village doit être derrière son école, vous allez comprendre pourquoi… 126. Nous comptons introduire des récompenses pour encourager tous ceux concernés à mieux faire. J’ai décidé d’appeler ces récompenses les Antoinette Prudence Educational Awards avec pour objectif une meilleure motivation pour les écoles, les enseignants, les élèves et les parents et en hommage à feue Antoinette Prudence qui comme vous le savez a beaucoup œuvré pour la promotion et l’épanouissement de l’enfant rodriguais. Dans ce cadre nous allons récompenser dignement chaque année la meilleure école, la meilleure classe, les 10 meilleures filles et les 10 meilleurs garçons, et le meilleur enseignant de la CPE. 127. L’organisation prochaine d’un séminaire résidentiel pour tous les enseignants du CPE dans un hôtel dans le but des les motiver et de partager avec eux la vision pour une amélioration du taux de réussite au CPE. 128. Dans le but de mieux connaître les problèmes encourus par les élèves en difficulté nous allons réintroduire le système d’Agents de l’Education qui seront appelés entre autres à favoriser le dialogue parents-enseignants, à combattre l’absentéisme et la délinquance et à promouvoir les valeurs sociales et patriotiques dans les écoles. 129. De plus, M. Le Président, dans le domaine de l’éducation primaire l’allocation de Rs 50,000 aux PTAs sera encore une fois renouvelée cette année et nous allons plus loin encore : j’ai fait provision dans le budget pour mettre Rs 100,000 à la disposition de chacune des 13 école primaires de Rodrigues pour l’achat d’une photocopieuse ou d’ordinateurs ou d’autres matériels qu’ils estimeront necessaires. Proposals for secondary education 130. M. Le Président, je dois féliciter les enseignants du secondaire pour leurs performances l’année dernière. Nous continuerons de les épauler et nous allons envisager de relancer les cours de Teacher’s Diploma, de B. Ed et de Post Graduate Certificate in Education. 131. De même dans le domaine des infrastructures de l’éducation secondaire la nécessité d’un nouveau collège dans le Nord de Rodrigues est maintenant confirmée. Nous avons demandé au Bureau du Premier Ministre qu’on nous cède les casernes de Jean Tac pour transformer le site en un collège. Le site identifié précédemment pour ce projet à Terre Rouge n’est pas vraiment approprié. D’autres sites sont aussi à l’étude. Une somme de Rs 36 millions est prévue pour les infrastructures dans l’éducation. 132. M. Le Président nous n’allons pas oublier les autres qui ont quitté l’école mais qui toutefois tiennent vraiment à, et qui font des efforts pour, obtenir une qualification. C’est pour cela que la Commission de l’Education va organiser des cours, en dehors des heures de travail, pour ceux qui veulent composer comme candidats privés la SC ou la HSC.
133. M. Le Président, les Rodriguais sont intelligents mais beaucoup manquent souvent de moyens pour aller plus loin. Seriez vous M. Le Président un légiste si vous n’aviez pas bénéficier d’une bourse? Combien sont-ils ces jeunes professionnels ambitieux qui veulent foncer mais qui n’en ont pas les moyens ? C’est dans ce sens que nous allons introduire deux bourses additionnelles annuelles qui seront connues comme les Chief Commissioner’s Award destinés à permettre chaque année à deux jeunes rodriguais ayant un projet professionnel solide d’avoir accès à trois ans d’études tertiaires à Maurice ou dans un pays de leur choix. Ces bourses seront ouvertes à tous ceux ayant la HSC mais ne sera pas nécessairement attribué aux élèves ayant complété la HSC dans l’année précédente. Bien évidemment les bénéficiaires de ces bourses devront s’engager à retourner à Rodrigues après leurs études. 134. M. Le Président, nous venons aussi en aide à ceux qui se sont sédentarisés mais qui néanmoins veulent poursuivre une formation à distance – distance learning. Il y beaucoup de candidats mais la majorité manquent de moyens financiers. Je propose d’allouer encore une fois quelques bourses pour ce type de formation à ceux qui ont un bon projet de carrière ou qui se sont déjà lancés dans le domaine. 135. M. Le Président, beaucoup de nos étudiants font
face à d’énormes difficultés financières à Maurice
avec pour conséquence que parfois certains ne mangent pas
comme il faut. M. Le Président, je propose ceci pour les étudiants
rodriguais à Maurice et qui ne sont pas bénéficiaires
de bourses : Rs 3000 par mois pour ceux qui, sur présentation
d’un dossier à constituer, n’ont pas les moyens
pour le logement et les autres dépenses liés à leur
formation. La Commission de l’Education se chargera de la définition
des critères pour cette mesure et de tous les autres aspects
liés à sa mise en œuvre. 137. In the context of the Free Book Loan Scheme, a sum of Rs 1 million will be allocated for the purchase of additional books to be given on loan to students. 138. The school feeding project aims at ensuring that each child who attends pre-primary and primary school gets an adequate meal at lunch time. The project helps to palliate the socio-economic problems such as poverty and other problems related to broken families. The project benefits some 6,500 pupils. I am increasing the provision by 25% to Rs 5 M for the continued implementation of the School Feeding Project. 139. The Commission for Training whose mission is to act as a facilitator and catalyst for the promotion of capacity-building in Rodrigues has during financial year 2007/2008 worked in collaboration with various local and national institutions to provide academic, professional and technical training to several target groups including the public and private employees as well as teachers, entrepreneurs, students, unemployed youth and the public in general. 140. With the view to enhancing the capacity building of the teaching staff of pre-primary, primary and secondary schools, short training courses have been organised in areas such as Early Childhood Development. During the period under review, the Human Resource Centre has played a major role to enhance capacity building in the field of Information Technology. Two major training programmes have been implemented at basic and more advanced levels respectively, namely the Universal Computer Education Programme commonly known as IC3, a basic IT programme that benefited some 400 Teachers, HSC leavers and unemployed youths and a Diploma in Software Engineering offered to 15 participants working in parastatals as well as the private and the public Sector. The Diploma is a three year part-time course offered by the Swami Dayanand Institute of Management and will be completed by July 2009. 141. In line with the reform in the public sector for the development of a modern, efficient and customer oriented civil service, several Public Officers have benefited from various training programmes locally, in Mauritius and abroad. These include Diploma course in Civil Engineering, award courses for 32 officers of the Executive Cadre and induction programme for 22 newly recruited clerks. The courses were delivered by resource persons from the local training pool. Award courses in Software Engineering and Management were also conducted for 27 personnel of the private sector. 142. The Commission for Training sponsored some officers to follow a Diploma in Library Studies, Occupational Health and Safety, Sanitary Science and Foundation course in social work by the University of Mauritius and a Course in Book Binding and Print Finishing by the School of Design of IVTB, Mauritius. 143. The Commission for Training with the financial assistance of the Decentralised Cooperation Programme (DCP) is also implementing a two year Literacy and Numeracy project for 1200 adults including fishers, women headed families and beneficiaries of micro credits. This literacy/numeracy project will have multiplier effects over time since it will not only help to fight against poverty and social exclusion but will enable parents to coach their children at school , thus improving the pass rate at schools. In addition, with a view to democratizing the access of training to the different segments of the population, the Commission for Education and Training has started negotiation with the “Maison Familiale Rurale” (MFR) of Reunion Island and the “Conservatiore Nationale des Arts et des Metiers” (CNAM) for the setting up of an MFR at Citron Donis and a branch of the CNAM in Rodrigues. 144. In addition to the above measures, I have made a request to the Ministry of lands and Housing to lease a piece of State Land in the vicinity of the University of Mauritius for the construction of a multi storied hostel or student house for the accommodation of students from Rodrigues who are learning in a tertiary institution. This will ease some of the difficulties students face while studying in the island of Mauritius. 145. I am increasing the provision for scholarships and students welfare by 150% from Rs 2 M to Rs 5 M under this item in the Estimates of the Recurrent Expenditure.
146. During the financial year 2007/08, several activities were organised with a view to promoting arts and cultural activities. The Commission of Arts ad Culture organised the four major events namely the Rodrigues Day celebration last October, the Festival Creole, the abolition of slavery and the National day. The activities include elocution contest, public debate, patriotic song and drama competitions, an Award Night, sale exhibitions, expositions of arts and culture, discovery of the sega tambour village, Miss Festival Creole, Regatta Competition, Story telling night, a grand concert and conference which were organized up to 9 December 2007. During the Festivale Creole we were able to appreciate the performance of two steel drummers from Trinidad and Tobago. 147. Several artists have also benefited from financial assistance under the Artist Assistance Scheme which has been set up to promote local artists in various fields such as the production of CD , films and painting exhibitions. 148. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Arts and Culture with a view to enhancing the bilateral cooperation between the Ministry and the Commission and allows Rodrigues to participate in the cultural exchanges with other countries with which Mauritius has an agreement. 149. The renovation of the ex-Local Council Building which is the one of the oldest building structures of the island has been completed. The government building of creole architecture was constructed around the end of the 19th century. The building was formerly used to accommodate the administrative offices and the Court House of the island. The Building was closed for renovation in the year 2004 and renovation works which started in 2004 were finally completed in October 2007. The original and creole architectural aspects of the building have been kept as far as possible. The building houses, among others, the office of Discovery Rodrigues Ltd. 150. During the last Budget speech I announced that we will seek consultancy services to carry out the preliminary design for the setting up of a museum to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of Rodrigues. A preliminary study has already been completed. A Technical Advisor will be recruited to advise on matters pertaining to Arts and culture and to facilitate the starting up of the Cultural and Leisure Centre at Mon Plaisir. 151. With a view to preserving our cultural assets and bearing in mind the specificity of Rodrigues, the Commission for Arts will come up with a Rodrigues Cultural Heritage Regulations. 152. Much emphasis will be laid on the promotion of Rodriguan history and culture. It has been observed that written archival documents is currently piled up in unfavourable conditions in many stores of the Central Administration, Commissions and abroad. These documents need to be safeguarded and protected against. The collection of intangible cultural heritage, through interviews of elderly people on cultural subjects will also be one of the central policies of this unit. In this context, an archive unit will be set up to collect data and archival documents. 153. Capacity building in the field of arts and culture will remain one of the priorities of the Commission. Continual training will also be organised for local artists / cultural animators so as to facilitate the teaching and learning of artistic values. Several workshops/conference will be organized to promote knowledge, understanding and practice of arts and culture.
154. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, with regards to library services, free internet access services are provided by all libraries and the Centre De Lecture et d’Animation Culturelle (CLAC). New books have been purchased and audio materials and reference books are updated on a regular basis so as to provide up to date information to users. At the request of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), one officer of the Commission proceeded to Madagascar from 17 – 27 October 2007 in order to assist in the setting up of a second CLAC network and a virtual library there. 155. I am pleased to announce that provision is being made for a branch of the National Library to be set up within the Alfred North Coombes Library in Port Mathurin shortly, so as to facilitate access to documents related to the history of Rodrigues.
Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 156. The past year has witnessed a marked improvement in the quality of health services in general in Rodrigues. From the infrastructural point of view, the construction of the New Maternity Ward has just been completed and necessary equipment, plant and furniture are being installed to make the unit operational in the coming weeks. The new building will provide an integrated centre from Pre-natal ward to the Gynaecology and Surgical ward. Moreover, the two Area Health Centres of Mont Lubin and La Ferme have been upgraded to provide a better and more friendly environment to patients, visitors and hospital staff. Currently, the programme of upgrading of the 14 Community Health Centres is in progress. 157. To provide better quality services, the maintenance team of the Commission for Health has been strengthened with the posting of qualified workers on placement in various fields like electricity, carpentry, plumbing, painting etc. A more efficient programme of maintenance of the health premises is now in place. The safety of patients and staff has also been improved by contracting out of security services on a 24-hour basis. The provision of these services will be maintained over the next financial year. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 158. The aim of the Regional Government is to provide the health sector with modern equipment in order to deliver high quality medical service which meets the expectations of our population. 159. A sophisticated equipment for laboratory testing has been installed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and many laboratory tests which used to be effected in Mauritius are now performed locally in Rodrigues including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C tests. Results are now available within a very short time for quick diagnosis and rapid treatment. To pursue further the purchase of medical equipment in our hospitals, I am making provision of Rs 13 million in the budget. 160. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, when we assumed office, the mortuary room was in a shabby and alarming state. Anyone would fear to enter that area. Even dead people were not treated properly. Now we have upgraded the existing cold room and installed a modern cold room. 161. The provision of new medical equipment has been complemented with a regular maintenance schedule for equipment and plant such that the frequency of breakdowns has reduced considerably. 162. For a reliable and more rapid communication system, a new PABX and telephone network has been installed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 163. The conveyance of patients has been improved with the purchase of two well equipped modern ambulances to add to the existing fleet of 9 ambulances and 5 double cabs. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 164. Emphasis continues to be laid on staff training. During the past year, employees belonging to various grades have been trained in their respective fields that is administration, medical, nursing, health care, laboratory service, dental care etc. Some of the training courses have been held in Mauritius and overseas. The training strategy for our medical staff will continue over the next financial year. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 165. The report of the third NCD Survey of July 2006 reveals the high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity in Rodrigues. The Non-Communicable Diseases Programme is receiving due attention through health promotion as well as enhancing public awareness on diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The NCD special unit is operational twice a week at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mont Lubin and La Ferme Health Centres. I am pleased to announce that the NCD Mobile unit will be strengthened with additional equipment in order to continue the screening programme throughout the island. In this respect, a health club and “parcours de sante” will be set up in each local region. Medical Officers and Dental Officers will continue to effect regular visits to schools for preventive medical and dental care including counselling on various topics. 166. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, with regards to HIV/AIDS, the various activities scheduled in the Rodrigues Drug Control Master Plan and the Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS for 2004-2007 have been carried out with more and more importance being given to the preventive aspects by means of capacity building, parental empowerment and sensitization campaigns for targeted groups including students and the youth. 167. The AIDS Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital has left no stone unturned to ensure that the population is aware of the dangers lying ahead through exposure to contamination of HIV, the precautions to be taken, the treatment and rehabilitation of the victims of that virus. 168. A monitoring committee on substance abuse has been set up at the Commission for Health to monitor all activities related to the consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, and the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. We need to hold off our youth from substance abuse. The struggle against substance abuse is being waged with the close collaboration of the UNDP, NATReSA, the Civil Society and NGOs working with the same objectives in Rodrigues, Mauritius and other countries of the Indian Ocean. NATReSA has contributed in the struggle against drug abuse in Rodrigues by carrying a survey on substance abuse in Rodrigues, training social workers, support in the preparation of National Drug Control Master Plan and providing a grant to the Centre Alcoologie and St Gabriel Centre. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, 169. The Regional Government is committed to provide better health services to the public at large and to patients in particular. Free medical care and treatment will continue to be given to out-patients as well as to those admitted to the hospitals. We will pursue our policy of home visits to the elderly and with the joint efforts of the Commissions for Health and Social Security. An amount of Rs 17 M is therefore being provided in the 2008-2009 budget for the purchase of medicine, surgical dressings and medical disposables. A provision of Rs. 4 M is being made for assistance to patients needing specialised treatment in Mauritius. 170. Mr. Chairperson Sir, in the coming days two additional Medical and Health Officers will supplement the medical staff posted to Rodrigues on tour of service. Three specialists namely a Paediatrician, a Physician and an Orthopaedic Surgeon are already serving on a one year tour of service in Rodrigues and arrangements have been made for other specialists to stay for longer periods instead of one month. In this respect, we have initiated discussions with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life on the possibility of having specialists over a period of one year and will alternatively investigate the possibility of recruiting specialists from French speaking countries. 171. Mr. Chairperson, Sir, the Regional Government will continue to enlist the assistance of the civil society in its efforts to improve the living conditions of the Rodriguan population. In this context, the budget contains provision for contributions to NGOs working for:- • the prevention of drug abuse and the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of substance abuse • the treatment of epileptic patients • the screening and counselling of women suffering from breast and cervical cancer
172. Given the importance of the health sector in raising the standard of living of our population in the long term, the Total Recurrent Expenditure on Medical and Health services for 2008/2009 will be raised to Rs 157 M. I am also providing Rs 22 M for the acquisition of equipment and the implementation of the following infrastructure development:- • the establishment of a system of waste water disposal and surface run-off at Queen Elizabeth Hospital • the implementation of Phase I of the Drug Control Master Plan for 2008-2012 • to start preliminary works relating to the extension to La Ferme Hospital COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 173. M. Le Président, je salue les efforts des différentes associations et ONG’s qui sont en train d’œuvrer dans les domaines du social et cela parfois sans se faire remarquer. Je salue ces associations rodriguaises et internationales qui aident dans les écoles et les collèges. Il nous faut promouvoir les valeurs d’entre aide et éliminer la nécrose politique qui mine les relations amicales et d’entre aide qui existaient jadis dans les villages. 174. Nous avons noté que beaucoup a été investi dans les Centres Communautaires soit par les villageois eux mêmes soit par divers organismes d’aide internationaux comme le programme de l’IFAD et du Trust Fund. Toutefois ces infrastructures et facilités ne sont pas utilisées au maximum et parfois même les villageois et les différents groupes dans les villages n’ont pas accès aux facilités. Il faudrait une meilleure harmonisation de ces facilités sociales qui |