Light Rail: Over Rs 70 Million Spent on Reports

Light rail is not yet on track that has already cost tens of millions of rupees. Fifteen studies and papers were commissioned by the government over the years about whether or not to build light rail between Curepipe and Port Louis to decongest the roads.

In a document filed in the Library of Parliament on Thursday by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, one can see that successive governments did not really skimp on resources to clarify this issue. The contract for the last study was granted January 29, 2010 in Parsons Brinkerhoff for the astronomical amount of Rs 88.3 million. The consulting firm had been approached to address the "Bus Modernization Program."

However, after granting this contract, the government decided to move forward with light rail. A term has been made this collaboration with Parsons Brinkerhoff. The filing, following a parliamentary question from the member MMM Kee Chong Li Kwong Wing, does not indicate how the government had to pay in terms of compensation for breaking the contract.

The first study dates from 1991. This one, entitled Study of Public Transport in Clean Site between Port Louis and Curepipe, had already recommended the construction of a light rail. In August 1993, the same consultant was approached to conduct an additional study on the issue of economic and institutional light rail.

A year later, Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick & IBERINSA submits its report "Middle alternative transportation Port Louis Curepipe" and suggests a transit system bus, but indicates that light rail is preferable in the long run.

The same year, the Ministry of Economic Planning comes with its report to indicate that the subway is "justified economically but not financially viable."

Between 1997 and June 2000, two other studies are ordered. Each time, the light rail which is favored. It is interesting to note that the cost reports could not be traced to 1999, according to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Transport.

In 2001, Halcrow Fox submits its Integrated National Transport Strategic Study and reaches the same conclusion as his predecessors. His advice will cost a bonanza of Rs 62 million! In September 2002, it was the turn of the World Bank to submit its report. The cost of the document is unavailable. In both cases, it is always the light rail which is preferred consultants.

Before the change of government in 2005, there were still three documents. The most expensive will cost about Rs 400,000. A consultant was selected to build light rail, but then the system would not proceed because the company in question had asked Rs 200 million to do the job. The contract has not been allocated.

September 28, 2006, Jonathan Richmond submits its "Urban Transport Strategy" and recommends the "Bus Rapid Transit." His services are retained for approximately Rs 600 000 to assist the Government to find a consulting firm for the design of this "busway." Fritz Olyslagers be recruited in 2009 to assist the government in the quality control "for the performance of the modernization program of the buses."

While the "busway" was well on track, mid-2010, against all odds, the government finally opt for light rail.