The Ministry of Commerce in Mauritius has launched a new app called Ki Pri, which enables shoppers to scan the barcode of a product and check its price against the government's official records. This aims to prevent overcharging, particularly on subsidized and price-controlled goods. The app draws on the Price Fixing and Information System, the official register that sets price ceilings for everyday items.
The Ki Pri app is a free tool that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, with an iPhone version promised later. It is part of the government's efforts to ensure that shops comply with the Price Label Regulations 2026, which came into force on July 1. These regulations require shops to display unit prices and labels indicating whether products are subsidized (SP) or have a maximum retail price (MRP).
The launch of the Ki Pri app is significant, as it allows consumers to verify prices and report any discrepancies. This can help to prevent small traders from quietly rounding up prices. However, the app's effectiveness will depend on the accuracy and timeliness of the data in its database. If the figures are not updated regularly, the app may not be reliable.
In a related issue, families living in the Ti-Rodrig settlement on the outskirts of Port Louis are struggling to access basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation. A recent survey of the settlement highlighted the need for urgent assistance. The residents, mostly from Rodrigues, had moved to Mauritius a decade ago in search of better living conditions but have found themselves facing significant challenges.
In other news, a 27-year-old mason has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of a 13-month-old baby girl in Roche-Bois. The baby's mother, Gabriella Casimir, has expressed her doubts about her partner's guilt, saying she believes he was trying to help their child. An autopsy found that the baby had a torn intestine.
The Mauritian Bar has objected to the new process for appointing Senior Counsel and Senior Attorneys, citing concerns that it gives too much power to the executive. The applications for these top legal honors opened on November 3 and close on November 30. The Bar argues that the process does not provide sufficient checks and balances.
Two engineers at the Mauritian Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) have been suspended as part of a reorganization of the broadcaster's engineering department. The reasons for the suspensions and the reshuffle are not clear. Several junior colleagues have been moved into the vacated positions.
Key points
- The Ki Pri app aims to prevent overcharging by allowing consumers to verify prices against government records.
- The app draws on the Price Fixing and Information System, the official register that sets price ceilings for everyday items.
- The effectiveness of the app will depend on the accuracy and timeliness of the data in its database.
