Madam Speaker, Château Bénarès, located in the district of Savanne, was designated as a national heritage site on 06 May 2022 in view of its historical significance. Although it is a national heritage, it is vested in the District Council of Savanne and any restoration works have to be undertaken by the latter organisation under the supervision and technical guidance of the National Heritage Fund. Madam Speaker, I am informed that officers of my Ministry and the National Heritage Fund have carried out several site visits in the past during which, advice was duly provided to the District Council of Savanne. Since 2023, an architect and an engineer employed by my Ministry under the expert skills programme, have been conducting surveys thereat and a preliminary report together with recommendations to, inter alia, recruit specialists with experience in the restoration of heritage building, were made. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that in view of the prevailing economic situation, the project has been placed in abeyance by the District Council of Savanne. With regard to part (b) and (c) of the question, I am informed that since the project has been put in abeyance, no contractor has been appointed. As such, no start and no completion dates have been set up. Thank you.

Yes, you are, okay? Hon. Lobine, First Member for La Caverne and Phoenix. CHALINE STREET, SOUILLAC – 07 NOVEMBER 2023 TORRENTIAL RAIN – DAMAGED BRIDGE – RECONSTRUCTION