The National Schedule of Rates (NSR), a key reference document designed to enhance transparency, consistency and fairness in pricing within the construction sector, was launched today in presence of the Minister of National Infrastructure, Mr Govindranath Gunness, at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis.
The NSR contains over 6,000 construction rates and serves as an essential reference tool for planning, budgeting, tendering and contract administration within the construction industry.
In his address, Minister Gunness stated that the 2021 Schedule of Rates was reviewed to better reflect current market conditions, new technologies and emerging best practices in the construction sector. The NSR, he said, is a national instrument that will promote confidence, discipline and transparency in the construction industry.
He underlined that the NSR remains an indicative benchmark and incorporates minimum and maximum rates in order to account for varying market conditions, resource availability and procurement circumstances.
Mr Gunness further observed that the construction sector continues to face numerous challenges, notably rising material costs, shortages of skilled labour, higher freight charges, currency fluctuations, energy price volatility, as well as uncertainty arising from conflicts and disruptions in global trade routes. According to him, the best-performing construction economies are those which combine investment with “strong standards, digital tools, sustainability and reliable cost information”, thereby underscoring the need for pricing mechanisms that are more realistic, transparent and aligned with prevailing market conditions.
He recalled that with the enactment of the Construction Industry Authority Act 2023, the Construction Industry Authority (CIA) has been entrusted with broader responsibilities including regulation, standards development, sustainability, training, innovation, building control, procurement advice, development of codes, promotion of Building Information Modelling and support for a more professional and responsible construction industry.
The Minister further made a strong appeal to Ministries, Departments, local authorities, parastatal bodies, public enterprises, consultants, contractors and private developers to use the NSR when preparing estimates for construction projects. He is hopeful that the upcoming Budget will bring a renewed impetus to the construction industry in Mauritius.
Also present at the event, the Chairperson of the CIA, Mr Avinash Shree Mojee, indicated that the launch of the NSR reiterates commitment to building a stronger, fairer and more resilient construction industry. According to him, the NSR will contribute to regulating, guiding and modernising the construction sector through the establishment of a uniform and modern framework. He added that the CIA remains committed to regulating and promoting the sustainable growth of the construction industry.
