Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Cluny Football Ground, covering approximately 3600m2, is being upgraded under a contract amounting to Rs1,725,000,

52 inclusive of VAT. The contract was awarded to Sonallal & Sons Building Contractor Ltd on 10 January 2023. The scope of works includes – • levelling; • compaction; • top soil placement, and • grass planting. The initial completion date was set up for 07 August 2023, but was extended to 29 May 2024 due to implementation short comings. The District Council of Grand Port did not accept the works because of defects and requested remedial actions. Although the project was finalised in April 2025, further levelling and grass replanting were still required. Subsequently, liquidated damages are being imposed at Rs2500 per day up to a maximum of 10% of the contract value. The contractor has been instructed to complete outstandings works by end of August 2025. As for lighting, the National Development Unit (NDU) installed the system during 2020-2021. However, the main distribution panel was vandalised on 24 July 2023 and all the electrical fixtures and fittings were stolen. The District Council is reinstating the lighting system through in-house labour at an estimated cost of Rs75,000 with completion expected by mid-August 2025. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, similarly, the Bananes Football Ground, covering approximately 6400m2, is being upgraded under the same contract as Cluny at the cost of Rs1,725,000, inclusive of VAT. The works involve – • soil levelling and compaction; • placing four inches of top soil, and • grass planting with proper spacing. Maintenance includes – • watering; • fertilising, and • replacing dead grasses.

53 Due to similar shortcomings in levelling ang grass planting, remedial works were required and the contractor has been asked to complete these by end of August 2025. The lighting system at Bananes Football Ground was installed by the District Council of Grand Port in 2020. Following financial clearance from the NDU, additional civil works and bleachers were completed in year 2019 and 2022 while lighting facilities exist. Lack of proper maintenance by the council has been an issue. Bulk replacement is being carried out by in-house teams and will be completed shortly. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to highlight that poor maintenance of such amenities by councils continues to cause undue hardship to our citizens. To address these issues/shortcomings, a circular letter will be issued to all Chief Executives of the local authorities urging urgent resolution of maintenance issues. Furthermore, the former government bears responsibility for delays in project completion due to its fragmented approach. Instead of entrusting a single contractor for comprehensive upgrades, contracts were split between the NDU and the local authorities resulting in lack of coordination and prolonged incompletion. Thank you.

Hon. Second Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d'Or! WORKSHOPS (MOTOR VEHICLES) – HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS (2014- 2024)