Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit of my Ministry that the traffic lights opposite the Quatre Bornes market are currently operational for vehicular traffic, while for pedestrians, these traffic lights are not presently operational.

54 In fact, the cables connecting the pelican heads and pedestrian lights along Victoria Avenue B72 road, in reference to the controller box, have been found to be faulty. Due to faulty cables, erratic timing and complete power outages of the whole set of traffic light signals have been observed. As such, only the pelican heads along Victoria Avenue, meaning B72, have been disconnected to ensure the operational characteristics of the traffic lights on the other legs for vehicular traffic. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that the underground sleeve harbouring the cables is completely jammed. As a result, civil works, meaning excavation of the road and putting in new trunks and cables, will have to be undertaken to change the sleeve and the cables. This intervention does not fall under the contract for maintenance of traffic lights. At this moment in time, no contract for civil works can be awarded under the framework agreement because same has expired and new tenders will have to be launched. This might take some time. However, the repairs of these traffic signals will be given priority and consideration in view of their strategic location. Meanwhile, the TRMSU has written to the Commissioner of Police to ensure safe pedestrian crossing at the location.

Thank you, Minister. Yes.

I have three supplementary questions.

Yes, one at a time.

Je vous remercie...

One at a time!

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Would the Minister inform the House when was the last maintenance or inspection conducted on these traffic lights, and what were the findings?

Like I said, the problem is underground, Madam Speaker, because the cables are faulty. That is why there is an erratic light signal on the pelican heads. It is not due to bad maintenance. It is because of the cables. I asked the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit that since the trunks are already there, why don’t they slot in new cables? But the problem is, over the years, 20 years or so, it has been jammed with mud and all these things, and it has not been possible. So, it is not a question of maintenance. It is a question of faulty cables.

Yes?

55

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. In the Estimates of 2024-2025, a sum of Rs25 million has been allocated for the maintenance of the traffic lights. Can the Minister provide a detailed breakdown of how this amount has been spent so far? Thank you.

If I knew...

It is a very tall order.

It is indeed, and, you know, I have been Minister for two months. Previously, hon. Ganoo was there. I do not know how he spent that money, but we will have to...

You will find out!

I will find out and get back to the hon. Member.

Last one for the Minister.

Yes?

Thank you very much, hon. Minister. Madame la présidente, le dysfonctionnement de ces feux de signalisation représente un grave danger, d’accord ? Dans notre circonscription et surtout vis-à-vis du marché de Quatre Bornes. En attendant leur réparation, le ministre pourrait-il indiquer quelles mesures urgentes peuvent être prises pour assurer la sécurité des piétons ? Je vous remercie. Madame la présidente.

Madam Speaker, I have replied to this. I have said that the TMRSU has written to the Commissioner of Police to ensure safe pedestrian crossing at that location. So, if there is none...

(Interruptions)

I cannot hear the answer, please!

...if there is none, I will have to speak to the Commissioner of Police – if that is allowed of course – to ensure that needful is being done there because we have written formally and I am quite surprised that no Police officers are there.

(Interruptions)

Will that do? Yes, alright. As long as everything is secure. Hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle!

56 JAWAHARLALL NEHRU HOSPITAL – ANGIOGRAPHY TEST MACHINE – CORONARY TREATMENT