The Mauritian government is finalizing a new legislative framework for local authorities, with the bill expected to be presented to parliament in 2027. According to Minister of Regional Administrations Ranjiv Woochit, the reform aims to modernize local authorities and enhance their autonomy. The bill has reached an advanced stage, with the inter-ministerial committee responsible for the reform having met ten times to discuss proposals.
The inter-ministerial committee, chaired by Ranjiv Woochit, has transmitted a document outlining reform proposals to its members, including the Attorney General's Office. The Attorney General's Office is currently reviewing the proposals and drafting necessary legislative provisions. Once this exercise is completed, Woochit will convene a final meeting of the committee to examine the final version of the bill.
The new Local Government Bill will be presented to parliament during the next session, with the aim of adopting it within the legally stipulated timeframe. However, the parliamentary schedule does not allow for immediate presentation, as several important bills are already on the agenda for the current session. The bill's introduction is also linked to the renewal of village councils, with the current term of councillors ending on November 22, 2026.
The reform aims to strengthen the administrative and financial autonomy of local authorities, modernize their services, and harmonize their functioning. One of the proposals being considered is the gradual municipalization of certain villages, although no final decision has been announced. The bill also proposes to enshrine the holding of municipal and village elections in the Constitution to prevent their postponement.
Eight areas of reform have been identified, including modernizing the legislative framework, improving service delivery, enhancing transparency and integrity, and promoting financial viability. The proposals also involve improving revenue collection, creating new funding sources, and reducing dependence on government aid. The reform aims to enable local authorities to better exploit their assets and provide improved services to their communities.
The reform process has involved extensive consultation, with around 70 contributions received from the public, organizations, and institutions. An workshop was held in February 2026, attended by around 300 representatives of local authorities, and a consultation was conducted with majority parliamentarians. The initial project, which aimed to make minor changes to existing legislation, has evolved into a substantial overhaul of the legal framework.
The inter-ministerial committee responsible for the reform includes several key officials, including Ranjiv Woochit, Rajesh Bhagwan, Ajay Guness, and Attorney General Gavin Glover. The committee's work will culminate in the presentation of the bill to parliament, marking a significant step towards modernizing local governance in Mauritius. The reform is expected to have a positive impact on the country's local authorities and their ability to serve their communities.
Key points
- The new Local Government Bill aims to modernize local authorities and enhance their autonomy.
- The bill is expected to be presented to parliament in 2027.
- The reform involves extensive consultation and a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework.
