Rodrigues: Investment of Rs 4.6 Billion to Modernize the Port

Rodrigues is set to receive a significant investment of Rs 4.6 billion to develop a new commercial quay and modern port infrastructure at Port-Mathurin. This project is part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Mauritian ports with the aim of enhancing the island's economic competitiveness.

According to a written response from Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam recently presented to the National Assembly, there are currently no major construction projects underway at Port-Mathurin. However, the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) has completed rehabilitation work on the slipway, built in 1990, as of September 12, 2025. This facility, vital for the maintenance of vessels, particularly the MPA's two tugboats, has been upgraded to improve safety and operational efficiency.

A partial replacement of the rails used for hauling boats has also been contracted at Rs 6.8 million, awarded last March. These works, deemed limited technical interventions, did not require an environmental impact assessment under current law.

In this context, the Port-Mathurin Master Plan 2024, a summary of which has been submitted to the National Assembly library, outlines a total investment of Rs 4.6 billion to meet the medium and long-term needs of the port. The project includes the construction of a 175-meter quay, dredging and filling works, the creation of a passenger terminal, an administrative building, as well as the implementation of modern infrastructure such as utility networks, lighting, and storage areas.

The government emphasizes that this project aligns with paragraph 71 of its program, which calls for a "complete revamping" of the country's port infrastructures. The goal is to make Port-Mathurin a more efficient logistics hub to support the economic development of Rodrigues.

This initiative comes as the island aims to diversify its economy beyond fishing and tourism, amidst supply constraints related to its insularity. Port-Mathurin, as the primary entry point for goods and passengers, remains a strategic lever for the future of the archipelago.