Mauritius Third Development Policy Loan

closed

The Third Trade and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan with Deferred Option Program in Mauritius supports reforms which respond to two major challenges: (i) the "triple trade shock" of trade preference erosion and high oil prices; and (ii) the transition from low wage, low skill sugar and apparel exporter to innovative, knowledge and skill based services economy. The operation also provides added resources for the Government to weather the current global economic turbulence without jeopardizing successful reform implementation. Begin implementation of the respective parastatal reform action plans, by the Central Water Authority, Wastewater Management Authority, Central Electricity Board, and Sugar Planters Mechanical Pool Corporation, to improve operational efficiency and service delivery by: (a) introducing a performance management system, promoting staff proficiency in multiple areas of expertise, reducing overtime and eliminating unfilled posts; (b) increasing capacity utilization of capital equipment (i.e., vehicles, tractors), and reducing fuel and lubricating oil costs; (c) outsourcing transport and security services, cutting delivery time and cost, and reducing pilferage; and (d) improving inventory management by reducing the number and volumes of items carried.