Madam Speaker, I am informed by the District Council of Grand Port that a budgetary request of Rs16 million was submitted for the Financial Year 2024-2025 to provide lighting facilities for the football pitch in the villages of Grand Sable, Bambous Virieux, Bois des Amourettes and Rivière des Créoles. The estimated cost for each football ground is Rs4 million. However, the necessary funds were not allocated by the previous Government to implement this project. Additionally, I have been advised that the District Council of Grand Port is currently formulating its project proposal for the upcoming financial year. The installation of lighting facilities for these football pitches will duly be considered as part of the budgetary planning for the 2025-26 Financial Year.

Thank you, yes?

Madam Speaker, given that we have inherited huge social degradation problems, in particular the rising drug problem in these areas from the previous Government, would the hon. Minister consider implementing the lighting facilities project for these football pitches and promoting evening sports facilities to combat the drug problem and perhaps consider same in the forthcoming budget?

Madam Speaker, it is indeed regrettable that despite a request from the District Council of Grand Port for Rs16 million in last year’s budget to provide lighting facilities for these football pitches, the previous government did not consider it a priority and failed to allocate the necessary funds, but this government recognises the importance of sports facilities infrastructure for community development and sports engagement. I can assure the hon. Member that the District Council of Grand Port is actively working on its project proposal for the 2025-26 financial year, and the installation of lighting facilities on these football pitches will be given serious consideration during the upcoming budgetary discussion.

Yes, thank you. Your next question! ᠎DR JAMES BURTY DAVID MARKET FAIR, ROSE BELLE – ADDITIONAL PARKING FACILITIES