Madam Speaker, once again let me thank the hon. Member for the question. So, as a prelude to the answer, Pas Géométriques basically consists of a narrow belt, theoretically 81.21 metres in width nearly all around the coast of the island of Mauritius and are state-owned. I am informed that there are approximately 6,405 leases that have been granted by my Ministry over Pas Géométriques. Let me hasten to add that this was not granted by me ever since we came into office. In regard to part (a), I am informed that as of 31 December 2024, the outstanding rental in respect of all leases, including all those Pas Géométriques, is approximately Rs1.8 billion. Yes, that is the figure that is owed for all those leases –Rs1.8 billion. In regard to part (b), I understand that there are more than 11,000 leases, both on Pas Géométriques and non-Pas Géométriques, which are in arrears of annual rental for more than 24 months. The amount due is approximately Rs968 m.; almost a billion is owed to the government by those lessees. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Minister, is it possible to table the list of the debtors and the respective amount due?

Un peu plus fort, s’il vous plait !

Je demande à l’honorable ministre s’il peut déposer la liste des débiteurs.

Okay.

I must admit that I have the list in my hand. But I have to take advice from the Attorney General’s Office to ensure that I am not in violation of any data protection legislation before I do this because it holds names, addresses and what is owed. However, I must say that I am considering at the level of the Ministry that we have to recuperate this money. It cannot be that we do not recoup this money because I am aware as

79 well from memory that there is Article 2279 of the Civil Code. Article 2279 of the Civil Code is that we can only claim three years back in terms of rent, and I will have to seek confirmation of that from the Attorney General’s Office. But we will have to find whether any non-payment of such money to the government, causing prejudice to the government, is a violation of contract. If this is a violation of contract, it means what it means. It means that we would therefore be able to consider whether or not we take action for breach of contract. We will also see whether we can recuperate. But we will endeavour – I can reassure the hon. Member and I thank him for his question again – to recuperate all of it. We will go after each one of them and explore all avenues. We will try to ensure that the mandate that has been given to us, we will honour it and not let this go away into oblivion as though it is nothing. This is owed to the people, and it must be refunded.

Thank you. Yes!

Madam Speaker, being given that we are talking about state land occupied by these holders on Pas Géométriques, in order to alleviate this situation, would the hon. Minister consider the possibility of granting the opportunity to residential leaseholders, in particular those who have occupied those lands for more than 30 years, to have the freehold title at a price which can be determined by the government under his Ministry?

If my friend is referring to the Pas Géométriques, there would be issues there because then, the Pas Géométriques, from my knowledge, is inalienable.

Yes, exactly.

I like it when I see the Attorney General nodding, and he is Senior Counsel. I love it! Thank you. So, we would have to amend the law. Then, this is something which would require the government to take a policy decision, and this is not for me to pronounce myself on. Difficult, however! But already, as far back as I recall, the Labour Party, at one point in time, when in government, had made legislative changes in order to allow owners of CHA houses to become owners for the modique somme de R 2,000. And this is continuing. This is a social

80 measure brought in by the Labour Party that is continuing. I am happy to see that a lot of people are becoming homeowners.

But Pas Géométriques is another issue. I think we will stop here. I have a few questions that have, in fact, been withdrawn: B/42, B/45, B/49, B/52, B/57, B/58, B/60, B/65, B/68, B/69, and B/70. Hon. Members agree with these? You have withdrawn your questions, and I understand why you did that. So, if you agree, we will stop Question Time here!