Reply: I am informed by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries that the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd operates two vessels for shipment from Mauritius to Rodrigues. The MV Mauritius Trochetia is a passenger-cum-cargo vessel while the MV Peros Banhos is used exclusively for transport of cargo. The normal schedule is to operate three trips by the MV Peros Banhos to Rodrigues on a monthly basis, with an additional trip by the MV Mauritius Trochetia as from this month, based on demand for travel to and from Rodrigues.

131 With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Mauritius Ports Authority that the port area of the Port Mathurin spans around 2.5 hectares, with a yard providing for 295 containers. Additionally, there is an 875 square metre granary shed with a 600 tonnes capacity for storage of food items such as bagged rice, flour, and sugar. Furthermore, I am informed by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries that the cargo capacity of the MV Peros Bahnos is sufficient to meet the average demand of 250 containers per shipment to Rodrigues. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly that its Consumer Affairs Unit has gathered feedback from businesses in Rodrigues about challenges in shipping goods from Mauritius, such as limited storage capacity and low ship frequency, particularly during period of festivities. Accordingly, the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is encouraging the private sector to enhance its warehousing and storage capacity. With regard to part (c) of the question, as already informed, the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd has planned an additional trip to Rodrigues through the MV Mauritius Trochetia, on a monthly basis, which will enable to also meet any additional demand for the shipment of commodities. Moreover, I am informed by the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection that discussions are on-going with the State Trading Corporation with regard to the possibility of the construction of storage facilities for MOGAS and Gasoil, especially following the recent shortage of certain commodities during the end of year festivities. I am informed by the Mauritius Ports Authority that it had, on 30 May 2023, enlisted the services of a consultancy firm to review the Port Master Plan 2016. On 07 October 2024, the updated Port Master Plan was submitted to the Mauritius Ports Authority for consideration. One of the recommendations pertains to the development of a new 225-metre-long commercial quay in Rodrigues for long-term port capacity expansion. The recommendations contained in the plan will have to be studied in view of the financial implications. NEW ILLICIT SYNTHETIC DRUGS – FENTANYL, XYLAZINE & NITAZENE – REPORTED CASES & ACTIONS