The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Mauritius has recently acquired nine motorcycles for the official escort of the Prime Minister at a cost of Rs 21,130,434.78, exclusive of Value-Added Tax (VAT). This expenditure has raised questions regarding the justification of the costs, particularly in a context where the cost of living is affecting many families. The contract for the supply, testing, and commissioning of the motorcycles was awarded to J. Kalachand & Co Ltd, as stated in an allocation notice dated September 2, 2026.
The allocation notice and summary did not disclose the make, model, or technical specifications of the nine motorcycles, leaving it difficult to assess whether the average cost of Rs 2.35 million per unit is justified. The lack of detailed information about the motorcycles has sparked concerns over transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
When combined with the estimated cost of a vehicle acquired by the PMO at Rs 30 million, the total expenditure on the motorcycle and vehicle amounts to at least Rs 51 million. This significant outlay of public funds has raised concerns, especially given the current economic climate and the need for fiscal prudence.
While the safety and security of the Prime Minister are of paramount importance, the magnitude of these expenditures necessitates clear explanations and justifications. The public is yet to be informed about the specifics of the motorcycles, including their make, model, and technical features, which would help in understanding the rationale behind the costs incurred.
The government has been urged to provide detailed information about the motorcycles, including their specifications and the factors that led to the selection of the particular models. Additionally, there is a need for transparency regarding the procurement process and the criteria used to award the contract to J. Kalachand & Co Ltd.
In Mauritius, there is a growing demand for greater accountability and transparency in public spending, especially in areas that involve significant expenditures of public funds. The PMO's recent acquisitions have brought to the forefront the need for clear explanations and justifications for such expenditures, particularly in a context where the public is being called upon to make sacrifices.
The issue has sparked a national conversation about the need for transparency and accountability in public procurement, with many calling for more openness in government spending. As the public continues to scrutinize the PMO's expenditures, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised and what measures will be taken to ensure greater transparency in future procurement processes.
Key points
- The Prime Minister's Office in Mauritius spent Rs 21 million on nine motorcycles for official escort.
- The expenditure has raised concerns over justification of costs and transparency in procurement.
- The total expenditure on motorcycles and a vehicle amounts to at least Rs 51 million.
