The Future

Economic development and competition call for a new roadmap to ensure profitability and sustainability. The Estate needs to move towards a new model of economic growth that can lead to long-term prosperity.

The proposed business model focuses on seeking strategic partners for the development of businesses where extensive land area is a pre-requisite. The Estate is seeking partnerships to tackle the challenge. As the company is low-geared, the land could go in as the equity participation, while potential strategic partners could participate in terms of financial injections and expertise.

Revisiting Human Capital

This shift to a new model of economic development relies on its Human Capital. The key for the future of the Estate lies on the talents, skills and capabilities of its people to preserve its competitive advantage. An organisation’s greatest asset is undeniably its human capital. Investing in human capital and the leverage of skills are therefore fundamental as the new drivers for success. Strategic Workforce Planning is the key to Managing Human Capital and Organisational Performance. It evolves on the following axes:

A high performance of the RBSEB demands a dynamic, result-oriented workforce – with the talents, multi-disciplinary knowledge and up-to-date skills – to meet its mission and vision.

Modernisation Of The Sugar Cane Sector At The RBSEB

Mechanisation of Fields, Cost Cutting Measures Implemented and Re-Engineering of the Sugar Cane Plantation on the Estate.

Following the recent drastic reforms and the decrease in the price of sugar, the RBSEB has re-engineered its operations to assess its potential for economic survival in the short, medium and long terms.

In view of the above, rationalisation of the cane producing area has also been re-engineered and Management has revisited various cost saver areas and operations. These measures consist of the revisiting of the cultural operations in a timely manner; the reviewing of fertilisation practices and operations; block harvesting and optimum varietal adoption and hiring of Job Contractors (crop/intercrop seasons). This will help to increase cane yields and be more equipped in order to put emphasis not only on early maturing varieties and those of late harvest, but also to reduce cultivation expenses.

The main activity of the RBSEB shall remain sugar cane plantation. Therefore, a land management analysis is being carried out to identify the most productive and suitable plots of land for sugarcane plantation based on harvest performance for the last 5 years. The plots of land with the lowest yield potential per arpent will be deemed marginal land and hence to be utilised for other potential projects. The RBSEB has also the intention to put into place a Land Swapping System to facilitate the modernisation of this sector by replanting canes on larger extent on land which is more conducive for the cultivation of canes.

Consequently, any move that increases the efficiency of this sector will in turn ensure the survival of our main core activity i.e. sugar cane and at the same time make it more competitive in the market.

ENERGY PROJECT

In view of the energy policy for fuelling the future by the Government, the RBSEB is seeking to engage into Strategic Partnerships with good industry know how to maintain a reasonable share in the energy production sector in the long run.

Photovoltaic Solar FARM

Solar Farms are the most direct way to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Furthermore, solar energy is a locally available renewable resource.

The vision of the RBSEB is to help in the production of electricity locally.

With new technological advancement, the price of PV modules is expected to drop in the long-term making PV a viable option. The average daily sunshine intensity of Mauritius adds to this advantage.

The RBSEB is in the view that it would be to the advantage of the Estate to be involved in the production of Green Energy to be sold to the CEB. Furthermore, the RBSEB has land situated in strategic locations in the southern region of Eau Bleue favouring the required climatic conditions for such production of electricity.

This will reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation and also reduce our dependence on imported oil. And, unlike fuels that are mined and exploited, when we use solar energy to produce electricity, we do not deplete or alter natural resources.

The Solar PV Farm will feed into the local electricity grid using a free source of energy to generate electricity on bright cloudy days as well as in direct sunlight. The electricity can then be sold to the CEB at a guaranteed rate, contributing hence to the welfare of the country.

Wind Power Generation Farm

The setting up of the wind farm is in line with the policy of the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities to accommodate renewable energy facilities. Wind energy doesn’t pollute like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, nor does it produce atmospheric emissions causing acid rain or greenhouse gases.

With the adoption of worldwide green policy in energy production, major technological breakthroughs in wind energy with greater cost reductions are expected in the coming years. This is a big opportunity to develop new areas of activities, improve our self-reliance and create jobs. This will help in contributing to the welfare of the country while being in line with the Government policy.

The wind Farm would comprise of wind turbines with proven records to resist cyclonic gusts of the order of 280 km/hr. Wind turbines convert wind kinetic energy into mechanical power. The latter can be used for specific tasks such as converting this power into electricity. The potential energy produced from wind is directly proportional to the cube of the wind speed. As a result, increased wind speeds of only a few miles per hour can produce a significantly larger amount of electricity.

Mauritius, being exposed to the South East trade winds, has a good wind regime for installation of wind turbines. Given the fact that the wind speed is more significant in the south regions, the region of Rose Belle is very conducive for wind energy exploitation.

The ridge of Mountain range has been earmarked for the wind Power Generation Farm for the production of electricity, which can then be sold to the CEB.

AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION

The RBSEB is looking forward to new cultivation projects such as Gerbera, Rosier and Geranium taking into profit the extent of land, the infrastructure available as well as the working force of the Estate.

Gerbera Cultivation

Gerbera is an ornamental flower famous for its freshness and long lasting characteristics. They are used as decorative flowers for various events and use such as bouquets and flowerpots. Cultivated on a large scale, Gerbera flowers are profitable plants.

Rosier Plants

Since ages, Rose plants have been widely popular all over the world, including Mauritius. From white to red, rosier plants will be ready for flowering in the first year and will give economic yield as from the second year. Roses are used as ornamental flowers, in the cosmetic industry such as the preparation of perfumes, cosmetics and scented products.

With Gerbera and Rosier potted plants being favourites to the public, the Estate intends to cultivate more of these plants in order to generate more income.

Geranium

As part of the agricultural diversification, the RBSEB intends to embark in the cultivation of a special variety of Geranium.

Geraniums are beautiful and extremely popular flowering plants. They are popular for their bright and fragrant flowers. Even the essential oil of geranium has a lot to offer in terms of health.

The RBSEB has a number of other ambitious and innovative projects which are under consideration. The aim is to convert the unoccupied land which is not suitable for cane cultivation and other agricultural plantations into more economically and sustainable projects development that will support the RBSEB business strategy on a long term basis.

HOSPITALITY

Integrated Eco Tourism

The Rose Belle Sugar Estate Board (RBSEB) is willing to embark in an integrated eco-tourism project at Le Val with facilities and activities such as rock climbing, water sports, cycling, fishing, zipline, horticulture, chalets, quad biking and hiking to the public interest.

Le Val is a beauty in itself. It contains vast stretches of verdant, a quiet valley in the countryside with quasi-virgin land with scenic views and a refreshing non-polluted atmosphere.

But the main attraction of this region remains the view while heading to the Le Val Nature Park.

It is worth noting that many tourists and locals travel long distances just to be able to enjoy the refreshing solitude and pristine panorama of Le Val.

Given the fact that the area is surrounded by the Osterlog Endemic Garden and Le Val Nature Park, this makes the region conducive for a sustainable Integrated Eco-Tourism development. Other nearby attractions are the Eau Bleue natural reservoir where water sports are practised and the man-made Midlands Dam.

The RBSEB will ensure that all ecotourism facilities and activities shall be in the public interest (supporting economic growth and job creation), ecologically sustainable and, to the greatest possible extent, preserve the land’s natural condition and protect its cultural resources and natural values.

Medical Hub

Life expectancies across the world are rising along with improved standards of living. Many countries are witnessing the greying of their societies and their needs for medical devices and services will rise. Mauritius is well positioned to take advantage of this future demand. In this regards, the RBSEB aspires to create a niche market and put Mauritius on the global scene as a truly high level Medical Hub.

The project will have several components such as a private specialty hospital, a medical campus, a retirement village, a relaxation spa and a sports complex.

EDUCATION

Education Hub & Training Facilities

In line with the Government’s strategic vision, the RBSEB ambitions to position itself as a major education hub and provider of training facilities. The vision is to embark in a project to create a Tertiary Education Campus and Training Academy project(s) for various programs with a multi-disciplinary approach.

The idea is to position the proposed facilities as an international destination in health professions education, transportations, research and practice. This will not only help in meeting the manpower needs of different emerging sectors in Mauritius but will also provide its staff the world-class skills and knowhow. This will help to boost the economy and help in the creation of employment.

Industrial Manufacturing Zone

Integrated Industrial Park

The RBSEB has the intention of creating an Integrated Industrial Park in an area zoned and which will be planned for the purpose of Industrial Development. The idea is to attract new business by providing an integrated infrastructure in a delimited area. Such Infrastructure will include roadways, large volume water supplies, and power electric supplies. By setting aside Industrial uses from urban areas this will reduce the environmental and social impact of the industrial uses.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Morcellement Projects

The RBSEB has investigated the possibility to embark on the development of Morcellement Projects on its strategically situated lands.

In this regards, the RBSEB is planning to launch an EOI to attract high calibre Consultants to partner with the RBSEB in the development of the projects. The chosen Consultant(s) will be responsible for the design, implementation, administration, marketing and cash flow management of the project.

Business and Shopping Mall

The RBSEB has the vision of making the village of Rose Belle a major hub to promote wealth generation, social welfare and modernisation. This will also benefit all the stakeholders in the region at large.

In this context, the RBSEB has initially envisaged on its own in creating a leading shopping and retailed destination with professional offices and leisure options on the main corridor of Rose Belle with an easy and convenient access directly from the highway. The idea is also to attract both local inhabitants and tourists from the whole island through the uniqueness and modern commercial outlets. The vision will definitely uplift the Rose Belle village while becoming the ‘southern growth pole’ of the island.

CONCLUSION

The RBSEB envisions to become a hub in the Southern region in line with the Government Policies. As time passes by, it will continue to innovate and partner with Potential Promoters for the benefits of the Southern region as a whole, while sustaining the future of the RBSEB as a major player of the south.

More land will be made available for more projects, while still remaining in sugar cane cultivation as the main activity of the RBSEB. The projects will in turn bring sustainable revenue commitment in the long term for the RBSEB.