Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Transport, ICT, and Postal Services
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Transport, ICT, and Postal Services is responsible for building and maintaining the backbone that keeps Mohéli connected – physically and digitally. In terms of Public Infrastructure, this ministry oversees construction and upkeep of roads, public buildings, water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure on the island. Projects like paving the main ring road that connects Fomboni to other communities, reinforcing bridges, or extending the electricity grid to remote villages fall under its purview. A recent major initiative includes the upgrade of Mohéli’s main port at Fomboni: with support from national and international funds, the port is being expanded and modernized to enhance freight and ferry services, benefiting over 40,000 residents . The ministry also ensures that community infrastructure – such as schools (in collaboration with Education Ministry) and healthcare centers – meet proper construction standards and are resilient to weather events.
For Transport, this ministry manages Mohéli’s internal and external connectivity. This covers the road transport system (licensing vehicles, improving public transport like buses or shared taxis) and the marine and air transport that link Mohéli with other islands and beyond. Mohéli has a small airport, Bandar Es Eslam Airport, which accommodates inter-island flights; the ministry, often in collaboration with Union civil aviation authorities, ensures the airport’s operation, maintenance, and any expansion or safety upgrades needed. Sea transport is vital – the ministry regulates the inter-island ferry services and small harbors around Mohéli, working to improve schedule reliability and safety for passenger boats and cargo ships. Given Mohéli’s terrain, the ministry also looks at innovative transport solutions for remote areas (for example, supporting community boats or improving footpaths in areas not reachable by road).
In the realm of ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the ministry is pushing Mohéli into the digital age. It coordinates the expansion of telecommunications networks – advocating for better mobile phone coverage across the island and the introduction of high-speed internet. In partnership with telecom companies and the Union’s ICT initiatives, this ministry helped bring fiber-optic connectivity to Mohéli, enabling faster internet for both government offices and the public. It also promotes ICT literacy: establishing telecenters or computer labs in schools and possibly offering free Wi-Fi zones in Fomboni. E-government initiatives, such as the online form submissions and information portals mentioned earlier, are facilitated by this ministry ensuring the necessary digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.
Postal Services also fall under this ministry. Mohéli’s postal system, part of the national postal network, ensures mail and packages can be sent and received. The ministry manages the main post office in Fomboni and sub-post offices in other localities. In recent years, with the rise of e-commerce, efforts have been made to improve postal reliability and maybe even introduce a basic home delivery system in densely populated areas (traditionally, postal services in the region rely on P.O. boxes). The ministry might be exploring partnerships for faster inter-island parcel services and financial services through the postal network (like money orders or savings accounts, as often provided by postal systems).
Overall, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Transport, ICT, and Postal Services is about connecting Mohéli – both within the island and with the outside world. By building durable infrastructure, improving transport links, embracing technology, and maintaining postal communications, the ministry plays a critical role in economic development and in improving daily life for Mohéli’s citizens. A highlight has been the commencement of the Mohéli Port Expansion Project and the ongoing rollout of better internet, both of which promise to transform the island’s connectivity in coming years.
