New Year's Speech : Pravind Jugnauth announces free access to tertiary education

In his address to the nation on the occasion of the New Year on Tuesday 1st January, the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance, laid much emphasis on the merits of his government’s economic and social policy. He highlighted the major achievements and priority projects for year 2018 while also emphasising on Government’s continued commitment with regard to promoting an equitable, safe and harmonious society. 

Pravind Jugnauth stated that our country has come a long way and that various measures have been put in place in 2018 in order to enhance the lives of every citizen and reducing the gap between the rich and poor. In this line, he stated that some of the measures for 2019 include the provision of a salary compensation of Rs 400 to some 463,000 employees and the increase in pension from Rs 5,810 to Rs 6,210. Regarding unemployment rate, he pointed out that it stood at 6.9% in 2018, which is one of the lowest since the past fifteen years. On this score, he highlighted that the economic growth rate was at 3.8% for year 2018 while adding that all sectors of the economy comprising entrepreneurial and business fields have regained their momentum.

One of the major measures for 2019 announced by the Prime Minister in his New Year’s speech is the free access to tertiary education. Pravind Jugnauth said that the future of the country rests on the shoulders of its youth. He announced that the Government has come up with a historical measure, which is free access to tertiary education in all public institutions. He explained that this measure will be implemented as from this year (2019) and will be applicable for those opting for certificate, diploma and degree courses, both on full-time and part-time basis.

He also addressed several other topics and announced various measures for 2019. Speaking on major developmental and infrastructural projects, the Prime Minister stated that the Metro Express project marks a major stride in the history of Mauritius. To this end, he underlined that the first light rail system, starting from Rose Hill to Port Louis, will be operational this year.  “My vision is that the Metro Express lines will be extended in the four corners of the country in the future,” said the Prime Minister. 

He also spoke of Government’s investment in the construction works of drains and roads with a view to improving the infrastructure across the country.  As regards the provision of decent dwellings for low income families, he stressed that some 12,000 social housing units will be constructed by end of 2019. Regarding social housing, Pravind Jugnauth promised the construction of 10,000 social houses and announced that by the end of the year, 12,000 will be delivered.

Referring to upholding law and order in the country, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Safe City project, being implemented by the Police Force, will ensure the security of every citizen with the installation of more than 4,000 surveillance cameras in strategic sites. He also reiterated his relentless determination to combat the drug scourge and emphasised on the huge number of drug seizures being effected so as to dismantle these networks. On this line, Pravind Jugnauth announced that he will chair the National Drugs and HIV Council, which has as objectives to foster a multi-sectoral approach with a view to providing a stronger response to Drugs and HIV; and to come up with concrete measures to minimise the personal, social and economic impact of these social plagues.

Addressing the Electoral Reform, Pravind Jugnauth said that the measures are still ongoing. He invited every “self-respecting” politician to support his approach. However, he did not announce whether he intends to present the bill in Parliament, with the aim of getting it passed if he gets the three-quarter majority vote from MPs. He even recalled that Paul Berenger, leader of the MMM, has demanded last week that this bill be postponed after the general elections. The text on the financing of political parties will be introduced in 2019.

Pravind Juganuth also listed out several projects being implemented for Rodrigues, comprising the extension of the airport and the construction of a new terminal. He also recalled the launch of the fibre optic installation, Mauritius Rodrigues Submarine Cable last November, which will connect Mauritius with Rodrigues. The construction of a runway and a jetty in Agalega was also highlighted by the Prime Minister.