Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for this question. At the outset, however, I wish to clarify that my Ministry is not responsible for issuing of evacuation orders for dwellings exposed to landslides, erosion or flooding. Evacuation orders are issued by the National Crisis Committee in accordance with section 16(2) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2016, directing any person to evacuate their premises or any public place or directing any person in a particular area to be evacuated within a certain specific time. I am informed that so far one evacuation order was issued at Rivière des Créoles, five evacuation orders were issued in the region of St Pierre and Verdun and six evacuation orders were issued in Souillac during the period 2019 to 2024. Furthermore, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Centre has informed that some 86 families are still residing in their dwellings located at areas classified as being at risk of landslides and erosion. Surveys are also ongoing in other areas such as Crève Coeur and St Pierre particularly along the Rivière Profonde stretch. As regards, the measures, Madam Speaker, already in place and those planned to safeguard residents living in high-risk zones ahead of 2025-2026 flood season, I am informed that regular simulation exercises, sensitisation campaigns and awareness initiatives are being carried out jointly with the local authorities.

40 In addition, during the rainy and cyclonic periods, the following actions are, inter alia, undertaken – 1. Continuous monitoring of vulnerable sites; 2. Regular police patrols; 3. Issuance of alerts to expose families to the National Multi-Hazard Early Alert Systems, and 4. Prepositioning and deployment of first responders including the SMF, the Mauritius Fire Rescue Services and the Special Support Unit and the regular police.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Ms Thannoo!

Thank you, hon. Minister. Are Japanese experts currently involved in the geotechnical approach to the surveys, please? I know the experts are currently employed at the Ministry of Infrastructure. Thank you.

As I have said at the very outset of my answer. My Ministry is not responsible for evacuation orders. I gave the information that I obtained from all other ministries as to what work is being done. Now, as far as specifics are concerned, I would invite the hon. Member, Madam Speaker, to put a question to the substantive Minister responsible for such geotechnical investigations. It would not be within the ambit of my portfolio and, therefore, I would not be able to give the answer to the hon. Member.

Yes, hon. Member, you will do that, I am sure. Now, I have the hon. Member for Port-Louis North and Montagne Longue! Yes, hon. A. Duval! MAURITIUS TAMIL CULTURAL CENTRE TRUST – CULTURAL CENTRE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION - RÉDUIT TRIANGLE – FINANCIAL SUPPORT