Madam Speaker, I am informed that the National Development Unit proceeded with the upgrading of the Bois des Amourettes football ground in two phases as follows – • Phase 1 – upgrading of the Bois des Amourettes football ground which comprised the returfing of the whole pitch, and • Phase 2 – upgrading of the frontage fencing of the Bois des Amourettes football ground.

73 Madam Speaker, for Phase 1, the contract was allocated to Sotravic Ltd on 17 February 2023 for an amount of Rs6,715,349.80 by the NDU under its framework agreement for amenities. The scope of works included the following – • excavation of 700 m3 of existing topsoil; • provision of 1050 m3 of imported fill for returfing works; • supply of 600 m3 of vegetable topsoil; • provision of 135 m of French drains around the area of the football pitch; • supply and placing of 2,125 m3 of spoils of size 200 x 300 mm in size; • felling of four trees, and • supply and planting of grass chiendent of an extent of 4,250 m2. Madam Speaker, as regards to Phase 2 of the project, the NDU awarded a second contract to Sotravic Ltd on 13 January 2024 for an amount of Rs4,113,109.55 under its framework agreement for amenities. The scope of works concern – • the upgrading of the frontage fencing which consisted of demolition of existing block wall over a length of 84 m; • excavation and laying of blinding concrete; • construction of a new one-metre-high block wall fencing with 4.5-metre-high galvanised metal fencing over a length of 84 m; • remedial works to damaged turfing of football ground, and • provision of a new main gate, 4 metre wide and one pedestrian gate. Madam Speaker, the final handing over exercise to the District Council of Grand Port for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project was carried out on 16 January 2025. I am informed that snags were identified during the handing over exercise. The discrepancies identified were – • levelling of the topsoil; • presence of pebbles, and • maintenance of grass turfing which were not to adequate length.

74 Madam Speaker, follow-up was done through monthly site visits by the NDU and the contractor Sotravic Ltd to review the status of the remedial works. On 21 October 2025, the final handing over was carried out successfully after all remedial works were cleared by the contractor, and the site was taken over by the District Council of Grand Port. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that during a site visit carried out by the three MPs of the constituency, together with representatives of the District Council of Grand Port and the contractor on 19 November 2025, it was observed that the football ground was uneven and there was presence of pebbles on the pitch. Madam Speaker, I have also been informed that during the Régate Festival held from 29-31 August 2025, the football pitch was used to park vehicles, which I understand damaged the playground. I would here seize this opportunity to inform the House that henceforth, football grounds would not be used as parking space but only for the specific purpose for which it is meant for. Madam Speaker, being given that the football ground is now contractually under the responsibility of the District Council of Grand Port, the latter has been requested to carry out the remedial works. Madam Speaker, as for part (b) of the question, the football pitch will be operational once all remedial works are completed by the District Council and the ground certified fit for use.

Yes, Dr. Ms Daureeawo! MAURITIUS – REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION JURISDICTION