**Mauritius**: The construction industry is undergoing significant transformations amid rising material costs and labour shortages. UBP’s COO Sylvain Roger discusses the sector’s challenges and strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, attract skilled workers, and embrace sustainability to secure its future and maintain economic importance.
The construction sector in Mauritius, described by industry leaders as a cornerstone of the national economy, is currently experiencing significant transformations. As detailed by Sylvain Roger, the Chief Operating Officer of UBP, the sector faces various challenges, including rising raw material costs, labour shortages, and the imperative to enhance operational efficiency. These factors necessitate adaptation among market participants to maintain competitiveness.
In a recent interview with Business Magazine, Sylvain Roger analysed the primary trends affecting the sector. He noted that while demand for housing, public infrastructure, and commercial projects—including ambitious smart city initiatives—remains strong, the industry has encountered economic cycles that have led to forecasts of decline in 2025. Furthermore, increasing costs related to materials, freight, and energy are putting considerable pressure on construction budgets, prompting stakeholders to rethink their strategies.
Labour shortages, particularly among skilled workers in specialised roles such as masons, applicators, and machinery operators, continue to plague the sector. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of appeal for these professions among younger individuals who often perceive them as laborious and undervalued. In response to this challenge, UBP has implemented various initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining skilled workers. This includes internal training programs to upskill employees and partnerships with educational institutions to improve awareness and interest in construction careers.
To address the changing landscape of raw material pricing and logistical challenges, UBP is taking a proactive approach by optimising cost management and ensuring continuity in services. Sylvain Roger stated that efficient stock management and supply chains have been established to facilitate effective distribution and cost optimisation. He emphasised the importance of enhancing synergies within UBP’s construction materials division to better respond to market demands.
Furthermore, UBP is focusing on improving productivity and reducing construction timelines through innovative solutions. Products designed to streamline construction processes, such as Smart Blocks that minimise time-consuming steps like formwork, have been introduced. Additional innovations, such as pre-stressed slabs for large projects, further accelerate project completion while addressing technical constraints. Beyond products, UBP also prioritises providing technical support and advice to clients to maximise the efficacy of their materials on-site.
Looking towards future developments, UBP has set strategic goals, including modernising production facilities and expanding regionally. Recent strategic moves include acquiring a stake in Bazalt Réunion, a major player in the construction materials sector in Réunion, which is expected to enhance UBP’s regional presence and operational synergies.
Sylvain Roger highlighted the ongoing evolution within the construction sector driven by increasing market demands for higher quality and efficiency. He noted a growing trend towards the industrialisation of construction processes, particularly with a rise in prefabricated solutions that can help optimise timelines and manage costs. The company is also committed to sustainability, having recently published its environmental product declaration (EPD) for traditional blocks—an initiative it claims makes UBP the only construction materials manufacturer in Mauritius to undertake such an effort. This declaration assesses the life cycle of products and provides reliable information on their environmental performance, which is critical for stakeholders involved in international green building schemes.
In summary, while the Mauritian construction sector faces substantial challenges, it also has opportunities for innovation and development. The sector’s ability to adapt will be crucial for maintaining its role as a key economic pillar and for achieving sustainable growth in the coming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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