Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am informed by the District Council of Grand Port that it has no renovation project for the football ground at Bois des Amourettes.

64 I am further informed that the National Development Unit (NDU) is presently undertaking renovation works thereat. The NDU has apprised that Phase 1 of the project of upgrading works at Bois des Amourettes football ground consisted of returfing works. The contract was allocated to Sotravic Ltd on 17 February 2023 by the NDU under its framework agreement for amenities for an amount of Rs6,715,349.80, including VAT. With regard to the scope of works, the project consisted of excavation of the soil up to a depth of 0.95 metres, provision of spalls 200 to 300 mm thickness up to a depth of 0.5 metres, laying of geotextile, construction of 135 metres of French drains, provision of engineering fill-up up to a depth of 0.25 metres, provision of topsoil up to a depth of 0.20 metres, levelling of the football pitch and grass planting of an extent of 4,250 m². Although the project started on 06 March 2023 and was expected to be completed by 27 July 2023, the completion date was eventually extended to 07 September 2023 due to the inclement weather, causing the site to be impractical due to the muddy condition, as well as the change in design due to the fact that the existing topography and ground conditions required spalls (200 to 300 mm) to be used to stabilise the ground condition, and geotextile had to be used for the whole area of the site. Madam Speaker, with regard to Phase 2 of the project “Upgrading of Fencing at Bois Des Amourettes Football Ground”, it consists of upgrading of frontage fencing, and the contract was allocated to Sotravic Ltd on 30 January 2024 by the NDU under its framework agreement for amenities for an amount of Rs4,113,109.55, including VAT. The works started on 04 March 2024. The project includes – (i) the demolition of an existing block wall over a length of 84.29 metres; (ii) excavation and laying of blinding concrete and erection of block wall; (iii) fencing up to a height of one metre above existing ground level; (iv) supply and fixing of heavy-duty galvanised fencing up to a height of 4.5 metres; (v) supply of one main gate and one pedestrian gate. Madam Speaker, as per part (b) of the question, I am informed that Phase 2, which was supposed to be completed on 22 July 2024, is now scheduled for 20 December 2024.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Member!

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Madam Speaker, now we know that for Phase 2, the works began on 04 March 2024 and were set for completion on 22 July 2024. However, same will now be completed on 20 December 2024, as informed by the hon. Minister. Were there any liquidated damages applied by the National Development Unit, and also, if the hon. Minister can state the amount if any.

You can’t both stand at the same time! Let him finish, hon. Minister!

Yes.

And also, can the hon. Minister give special attention for the project to be completed in the nearest delay?

Did you get his question? I didn’t! It’s alright.

Yes, Madam Speaker. Due to the late completion of the outstanding works by the contractor without justification, liquidated damages amounting to Rs245,000, excluding VAT, were applied by the NDU, and we will follow the works closely to complete the work timely.

Thank you. Your next question! GRAND PORT COASTAL ROAD – CWA – NEW WATER PIPES INSTALLATION – COMPLETION DATE