VIII. STRENGTHENING OUTER ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT
252. Madam Speaker, on our Transformative Journey it will be important that we deepen the integration of outer islands in the development mainstream.
253. I am providing a total budget of Rs 5 billion for the sustained socio-economic development of Rodrigues. The total budget of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly amounts to Rs 3.5 billion and a further amount of Rs 1.5 billion is being provided from the votes of different Ministries and Departments.
254. A Technology Park will be constructed in Rodrigues to promote entrepreneurship and employment in the field of ICT.
255. The new runway at Plaine Corail Airport is another landmark project, which will further improve air connectivity, tourism development and socio-economic conditions in Rodrigues Island. The project will cost around Rs 3.2 billion and works are expected to start in mid-2019.
256. As regards Agalega, I am making a historic announcement. For the first time, the inhabitants will, as from September 2018, have internet connectivity through satellite bandwidth.
257. In addition, I am providing in this budget for a number of projects to lift up the well-being of our compatriots in Agalega.
• First, the EDB will work towards the development of fishing and seafood hubs in Agalega and other outer islands;
• Second, 50 housing units will be constructed by the NHDC;
• Third, an initial engineering study for a sewerage system to preserve the fragile ecosystem;
• Fourth, construction of a new dispensary at La Fourche;
• Fifth, additional equipment for increased production of coconut oil and onion;
• And sixth, to ensure safe and timely transportation of fuel and food provisions to Rodrigues and Agalega, the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd will acquire a new multipurpose cargo vessel with a capacity of 700 containers. This vessel will also be used to strengthen inter-regional maritime trade opportunities with Eastern Africa.
258. Madam Speaker, Government is sparing no efforts for the completion of the decolonization of Mauritius so that we can effectively and fully exercise our sovereignty over the entirety of our territory, including the Chagos Archipelago.
259. Mauritius will take part in the public hearings which the International Court of Justice will hold in September 2018 in the context of the request by the UN General Assembly for an Advisory Opinion of the Court on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. I am providing the necessary funds for that purpose