Madam Speaker, I am informed there is a shortage of animal feed since the beginning of January 2025. According to the information provided so far, producers in Mauritius did not provide the normal amount of animal feed to supply to Rodrigues in December 2024. There was also an increase in demand in the consumption of animal feed from 468 containers of 20 ft in 2023 to 542 containers in 2024. Therefore, an increase of 74 containers was noted. Madam Speaker, regarding part (b) of the question, I have been informed that the Rodrigues Regional Assembly has already initiated discussions with stakeholders concerned, including the Mauritius Ports Authority, Mauritius Shipping Company Limited, Velogic Limited and Associated Container Services Ltd, to devise and implement short-term measures to address the challenges which have been identified so far. I further note that the Rodrigues Regional Assembly has reported that it will continue to encourage and facilitate the business community in Rodrigues to enhance their warehousing and storage capacity.

68

I thank the hon. Minister for his answer, Madam Speaker. I am also following up with the importers and breeders in Rodrigues. With regard to the number of containers of livestock feed and meeders feed on each Peros Banhos voyage to Rodrigues lately, I have some statistics: On 03 December, 12 containers; 04 January, 10 containers; 15 January, 23 containers; and 25 January, 25 containers. Will the hon. Minister ensure and request the concerned authorities not to reduce the normal containers quota for animal feed? From information gathered from breeders, there were many animal losses during the period of December and January.

I believe the hon. Member should have asked the question to my colleague, the Minister of Shipping, but I will talk to him.

Yes, alright. That is fair enough.

Already talked!

Fair enough, okay!

I spoke to him on Friday.

Hon. Second Member for Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes! ST JEAN – FLOODING – FAST-TRACK PROJECT