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The communication infrastructure has undergone major improvement since independence, both inland and on the internal front. The improvement has resulted in the construction of
motorways, upgrading of roads, modernisation of the port and airport and the expansion of telecommunication.
For inland transport, the road is the only means of conveyance of goods and passengers. All parts of the country are within access of the road network, which has now reached around
2000 km. The responsibility to regulate the public transport sector and to license, examine and control all operations of motor vehicles rest with the National Transport Authority.
Bus services have been reorganised to meet the need of the growing population. Most of the companies have embarked on ambitious fleet replacement programs. The National Transport
Corporation provides one-third of the total bus services in the country. New and modern types of bus have come into service with emphasis on carrying capacity, speed, comfort and reliability.
There is an intensive network of bus rotes serving the entire country. Licences to operate on the various routes are given by the National Transport Authority, which is also
responsible for ensuring compliances with agreed timetable and published tariffs.
Taxi cars are the second most important means of public transports in Mauritius. The serve localities throughout the island. Taxi fees are prescribed by law. Other means of transport
include contract cars by private companies which hire them mostly by visitors and tourists.
The Airport
Mauritius is served by the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport situated at Plaisance, on the south east to the island.
The airport has undergone considerable development over the last few years. It is continuing to meet increasing demand for air travel, particularly because of the development of
tourism and industry. The airport is operated and managed by the Department of Civil Aviation.
The Department of civil Aviation is also responsible for the implementation of government civil aviation policy, ensuring that all services and facilities provided, for aircraft
operations are of required international standards. These services and facilities include control of access and security coordination, search and rescue emergency planning and preparedness, maintenance and
development of engineering facilities and aerodromes, airworthiness control of civil aircraft, licensing of personnel, etc.
The national carrier ‘Air Mauritius’ started operations in 1968 with ground services. In 1981, it bought its first Boeing 707, followed by a second one in 1983, which allowed the
company to increase its long-distance routes since 1973 in collaboration with other airlines. ‘Air Mauritius’ has now a fleet, which includes Boeings 747 and 767.
The Harbour
Mauritius has only one harbour which provides terminal facilities and shipping. Situated on the northwest of the island and well protected by a range of mountain, Port Louis’ harbour
has undergone considerable development. All port facilities and services are managed by the Mauritius Marine Authority; a parastatal body set up in 1976.
The harbour complex comprises a fishing port, two packing halls and other shore infrastructure to ensure an adequate service to the local bank fishing industry. The facilities are
being expanded with a view to accommodate deeper draughted fishing vessels.
Telecommunications
The internal telecommunication system is provided by the Mauritius Telecom, a national enterprise operating as a private company since it took over from the Telecommunications
Department in 1988. The system has been constantly upgraded not only to cater for the growing population, but also to meet the increasing demand from the fast expanding industrial and tourism sectors. With the
electronic system at an advanced stage, there had been a marked improvement to the internal communications network.
International telecommunications are provided by the Overseas Telecommunications services. Mauritius joined the space age in 1975. It enabled the country to have high-quality
circuits capable of carrying the different telecommunications services. Live television reception of overseas transmissions became reality.
Meteorology
Situated in the cyclone belt of the southwest Indian Ocean region, Mauritius has to constantly upgrade its meteorological service in order to maintain an efficient tropical cyclone
forecasting and warning system.
The Development provides meteorological services not only for the Mauritian population, but also for maritime and aeronautical navigation. It provides a tropical cyclone warning
service for the whole Mauritian territory, for ships and aircrafts and for the information of neighbouring countries. It makes use of modern technology such as weather surveillance radar and a satellite picture
receiver for the monitoring and tracking of tropical cyclones and other adverse weather systems.
The worldwide interest in renewable sources of energy has prompted the Meteorological Services with the help of international organisations to study the wind energy potential of
Mauritius and Rodrigues. This led to the installation of a wind generated water pump in Rodrigues. Wind generators coupled to the electricity power grid have also been installed at Grand Bassin in Mauritius on an
experimental basis.
A study of solar energy received at different places in Mauritius has been carried out and the data has been useful in the designing of solar water heaters.
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