TRANSPORT — MEL begins repaying its debt

â Optimization of its operations is essential

Metro Express Ltd (MEL) will start repaying its debt this year, after the implementation of a project which required an investment of Rs 24.1 billion. The government has thus granted an envelope of Rs 1.64 billion to the organization, of which Rs 1.18 billion will be devoted to reimbursement including capital and interest. The balance will be used for infrastructure renovation as well as operational expenses.

The Minister of Land Transport, Osman Mahomed, indicated that his ministry is engaged in a series of measures aimed at optimizing MEL's expenditure, in accordance with the recommendations made by the Public Sector Governance Office.

The latter carried out a Performance Audit last year, allowing MEL to reduce its expenses by 10.4%. “We also want to increase income,” said Osman Mahomed. According to him, improvements have already been made to the service, notably with an increase in the number of trams available during peak hours. It thus encourages more Mauritians, particularly professionals, to favor this mode of transport. “There are between 35,000 and 36,000 travelers daily,” he said during a press briefing at his office on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the minister confirmed the upcoming establishment of a direct link between Curepipe, ebony and Réduit. “We will soon be in trial mode,” he explained. This new service will allow passengers to no longer have to get off at Rose-Hill station before taking a connection to Ébène.

However, the line will not be operational during weekends and public holidays. “It is not profitable,” argued Osman Mahomed. He believes that the extension of the track towards Côte-dâOr would have been less advantageous due to the high cost linked in particular to the acquisition of land. In his opinion, a connection between Curepipe and SSR airport would have been more logical, especially since land belonging to the state had already been reserved for this purpose. He clarified, however, that the final decision regarding a possible extension of the metro to the airport will rest with the government.

On the energy front, Osman Mahomed announced that MEL wishes to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels through the upcoming installation of photovoltaic panels on its buildings. “The government has advanced Rs 440 million over four years for this project,” he said.

The minister also launched a call for citizen responsibility in the face of acts of vandalism targeting sticket machines installed in metro stations. “There were two cases where thugs left with Rs 900 and Rs 2,000. But the damage caused to a single machine can cost up to Rs 400,000,” he said.