Madam Speaker, I am informed that the drain works in the South-East region concern six villages namely, Rivière des Créoles, Vieux Grand Port, Bois des Amourettes, Anse Jonché, Providence, Petit Sable, Grand Sable and Bambous Virieux. With a view to mitigating flooding in the region, the NDU has appointed consultant Servansingh Jadav & Partners Consulting Engineers Ltd for a thorough study of the whole region. Geotechnical investigation has also been carried out to assess soil stabilisation measures along track roads and mountain slopes before proceeding with the construction of major cut-off drains in all the six villages. The detailed design report has already been finalised and the whole project is estimated to cost some Rs576.15 million including VAT and contingencies. The consultant has been requested to advise on immediate short-term measures which may be implemented to bring relief to the inhabitants, pending implementation of the drain project holistically. Madam Speaker, the Road Development Authority has also implemented two projects at Rivière des Créoles, as follows – 1. Construction of a reinforced concrete parapet wall along diverted drainage path at Rivière des Créoles near under path at Rivière des Créoles. 2. Stabilisation works, design and built on turnkey basis at Rivière des Créoles along South Eastern Highway A15. Madam Speaker, with regards to the region of Nouvelle France, I have to inform the House that the NDU has already implemented drain projects in different alignments as follows – (i) Alignment 3 – drain works along A9 road; (ii) Alignment 3.1 to 3.3 upstream of A9, and Alignment 6 from Kovil to near Community Centre; (iii) Construction of retention basin Pond C in the region of Kanpur, Nouvelle France, and

38 (iv) Desilting of River La Chaux, 1 km stretch. And other flood mitigating projects undertaken by RDA include – (i) redesigned of Nouvelle France roundabout on motorway M1, (ii) drain works along A10 at Nouvelle France at the level of Nouvelle France police station to roundabout of motorway M1, and (iii) alignment 6.1 drain works along A10. Madam Speaker, as advised by the LDA, the NDU has also embarked on the construction of retention basins and drainage alignment along the upstream of Save Mart, Comlone region and Savanne Link Road. The design was approved by the LDA on 30 September 2025 and action is being initiated for land acquisition and way leaves. Madam Speaker, as immediate measures both the Road Development Authority and the District Council of Grand Port have been requested to proceed with the cleaning of drains and culverts within their jurisdiction in the villages of Rivière des Créoles and Nouvelle France as per the maintenance plan approved by the LDA.

Thank you. Yes, hon. Ramdass!

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware of a number of inhabitants in respect of the Rivière des Créoles area of the number of inhabitants affected by the floods and is he also aware that certain families has had to leave their houses to seek refuge elsewhere in times of flooding?

Madam Speaker, I am aware that is why we say we are working on short-term immediate measures and long-term as a holistic measure and the consultant are working and I have even given the cost of a holistic project where Rs576 million; we know in which financial situation we are. We are trying to get financial clearance so as to do the project holistically.

Yes!

You see, I take note of the cost to the tune of Rs576 million. May we have an indication from the hon. Minister as to when the works may be expected to start and if at all, it can be considered in stages at least to alleviate the suffering of these people in these areas?

Yes, hon. Minister. Can you give that undertaking?

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I think, I have said in my answer that the consultant has been requested to advise on immediate short-term measures which may be implemented to bring relief to the inhabitants pending implementation of the drain project holistically. So, we wait for the consultant to give us the short-term measures that have to be done.

Okay, I think that should be all right. You still want to ? No! Hon. Dr. Ms B. Thannoo, please! The Hon. Second Member for Quartier Militaire. Yes! LANDSLIDES & EROSION – FLOOD-PRONE SEASONS – DAMAGED HOUSES – EVACUATION ORDERS & MEASURES