The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in Mauritius has made a significant investment in enhancing the security and mobility of the Prime Minister with the purchase of nine high-performance motorcycles. The contract, valued at Rs 21,130,434.78 (excluding tax), has been awarded to J. Kalachand & Co Ltd. These motorcycles, with an engine capacity ranging from 1,250 to 1,350 cm³, are specifically designed for the Very Important Person Security Unit (VIPSU), which is responsible for providing close protection to high-ranking government officials.
The acquisition of these motorcycles is part of a broader effort to upgrade the PMO's vehicle fleet. This move comes on the heels of the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, taking delivery of a new BMW G70 i7 Protection vehicle, a luxury sedan designed for official use. The BMW, valued at approximately Rs 30 million, features advanced security features, including ballistic protection and explosive charge resistance, making it a highly secure vehicle for the Prime Minister's use.
The process of acquiring the motorcycles was not without controversy. A.R. Chumroo Ltd, a competing firm, raised concerns about the technical specifications of the motorcycles, arguing that they were designed to favor a single supplier and limit competition. However, the PMO rejected this protest, citing security imperatives and the need for consistency with previous specifications dating back to 2009.
The Independent Review Panel (IRP) was subsequently involved in resolving the dispute. The IRP's decision, rendered on July 31, 2026, focused on procedural aspects rather than the merits of the protest. The Panel ruled that A.R. Chumroo Ltd had not submitted a bid within the required timeframe and therefore could not be considered a "potential participant" under the Public Procurement Act. Consequently, the protest was dismissed, and a portion of the security deposit submitted by the company was forfeited.
Despite the dismissal of the protest, the IRP acknowledged that the issue raised by A.R. Chumroo Ltd was not frivolous and touched on a significant legal question regarding the definition of a "potential participant" within the context of Mauritius' public procurement legislation. This suggests that the debate over the procurement process for the motorcycles may continue beyond the immediate awarding of the contract.
The motorcycles are expected to enhance the security and mobility of the Prime Minister's escort unit. The VIPSU is tasked with providing high-level security services to protect key government figures. The addition of these high-performance motorcycles is likely to improve the unit's response capabilities and effectiveness in ensuring the safety of the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials.
The investment in these motorcycles and the recent acquisition of the BMW G70 i7 Protection vehicle underscore the government's commitment to ensuring the security and safety of its high-ranking officials. These purchases reflect a broader strategy to modernize and enhance the security infrastructure supporting key government personnel.
Key points
- The Prime Minister's Office has awarded a Rs 21.1 million contract to J. Kalachand & Co Ltd for the supply of nine high-performance motorcycles for the Prime Minister's escort duties.
- The acquisition is part of a larger effort to upgrade the PMO's vehicle fleet, following the recent purchase of a BMW G70 i7 Protection vehicle for the Prime Minister's use.
- The procurement process faced a protest from A.R. Chumroo Ltd, which was dismissed by the Independent Review Panel on procedural grounds.
