Madam Speaker, the off-lagoon fishing scheme, purchase of Canotte was introduced with the aim of providing financial support to registered artisanal fishers to enable them to purchase better equipped fishing boats of 7 to 12 metres, commonly known as Canotte for fishing in the outer reef in order to enhance the livelihood of the artisanal fishers while altogether increasing local fish production. The scheme provides for the following – (a) A grant representing 50% of the cost of the boat and other related costs, including navigation and fishing accessories, up to a maximum of Rs300,000. (b) A loan from DBM representing 90% of the remaining cost of the project at an interest rate of 3% per annum and a repayment period of 7 years, including a one- year moratorium. (c) The beneficiary meeting 10% of the remaining cost from his own fund. In this context, my Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd for the implementation of the scheme. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the scheme was available for Mauritian fishers, and it is only recently, that is, as of July 2023, that the scheme was extended to fishers from Rodrigues. As regards part (i) of the question, my Ministry received from the Commission for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Production, Forestry, Plant and Animal Quarantine of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly 22 applications from fishers in Rodrigues. These applications were subsequently submitted to the DBM on 31 August 2023 for financial assessment at this end.

53 Regarding part (ii) of the question, I am informed by the Chief Executive of the DBM that on 3 October 2023, 19 out of the 22 applications were approved. Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that in January 2024, a total grant of Rs4,219,740 was disbursed in favour of the 19 eligible fishers from Rodrigues. As regards the breakdown of the total grant amount disbursed in respect of each of the 19 beneficiaries, I am tabling the information.

Yes?

Just one supplementary, Madam Speaker. Is the hon. Minister aware that out of the 19 applications received or approved, only three or four canottes have been purchased, and some of the fishers – probably out of the Rs4 million you mentioned – have received part payment for the construction of their canottes for a construction period of only three months, which has already lapsed? Why did it lapse? Because local marine contractors could not respond positively with all the problems of shortages of raw materials and increasing cost of materials. So, will the hon. Minister request a review or an extension of this construction period with DBM and the local authorities thereat in the interest of our fishers?

Thank you very much hon. Member. Since you are acting in the interest of the fishermen and we all agree, we have no choice but to impress upon DBM to do the needful.

Thank you. Yes, the hon. Second Member for Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes! QUATRE BORNES MARKET –TRAFFIC LIGHTS MAINTENANCE