Madam Speaker, according to the data obtained from the iMAAP – which I described earlier – software, covering the period of 1 January 2015 to 31 April 2015, a total of 68 road traffic accidents were recorded along Mont Piton, Rivière du Rempart A6 road, between Piton, Gokoola, L’Amitié and Desjardins, comprising – ▪ 15 fatal ones; ▪ 25 serious, and ▪ 28 less serious ones. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that reflective road studs known as cat’s eyes, were installed by the TMRSU to enhance nighttime visibility and to improve overall driving conditions for road users. Guardrails were also installed along several road stretches, especially at roadside open drains, embankments and uneven road surfaces to minimise the risk of errant vehicles going off the road, thereby leading to road accidents and injuries. Furthermore, painting of multiple slow road markings was implemented by the TMRSU from Gokoola to L’Amitié to deter high speed vehicular speeding. In the region of L’Amitié, double yellow lines have been implemented at various locations, along Mont Piton, Rivière du Rempart A6 road and several lateral roads to prevent on-street parking that obstruct traffic flow, to improve road safety at junctions and to facilitate safe movement of pedestrians on footpaths. There exists a road hump with pedestrian crossing facility along A6 road near L’Amitié Government School to enhance the safety of school children and local inhabitants. Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations 2011, the prescribed limit along classified A road is 80 km/h. However, for that concerned stretch between Piton and Desjardins, there is an existing speed zone with a reduced posted speed limit of 60 km/h. To ensure that road users comply with the posted

43 speed limit of 60 km/h along Mont Piton, Rivière du Rempart A6 road, the Mauritius Police Force must conduct regular speed enforcement exercises in response to recurring issues of vehicles over speeding and fatal road accidents. Madam Speaker, as regards to part (b) of the question, the following additional preventive measures are being envisaged – • The TMRSU will carry out a comprehensive road safety inspection along all classified roads at Piton, Gokoola, L’Amitié, Desjardins, Belle Vue Maurel, with a view to assessing the existing road infrastructure, identifying safety deficiencies and recommending appropriate engineering measures for implementation. These will include improved traffic signage, safer pedestrian crossings, enhanced road markings, installation of guardrails and handrails and traffic calming measures where pedestrian traffic is high, for instance, near schools and places of worship like the shivala of Gokoola and near Anou Grandi Association at L’Amitié. The ultimate goal of these road safety inspections and subsequent interventions will be to improve the road safety star ratings of the classified roads, thereby reducing the risk and severity of road crashes. The TMRSU will include all these measures in its work programme like I mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the TMRSU will be carrying out surveys at specific locations to assess the need for painting of single/double yellow lines and traffic calming measures such as pedestrian crossings, speed breakers and designated speed zones with regard to requests and complaints received from the authorities and the inhabitants. As a last line, with a view to ensuring that road users comply with the posted speed of 60 km/h along Mont Piton, Rivière du Rempart A6 road, it is also proposed that police conduct more frequent enforcement like I mentioned earlier. The TMRSU will assist to the extent possible.

Yes, supplementary?

Thank you, hon. Minister. Given that we have had 15 fatal accidents during the past ten years, meaning a rate of more than one fatal accident per year, and also, I am pretty sure you are aware of the rumbles that existed near the shivala of Gokoola – where, last week, there was another fatal accident – were removed a few years back, I just want the

44 hon. Minister to enlighten the House whether the measures that your ministry are planning will be implemented by the end of this year, given the seriousness of the situation? Thank you.

Yes, certainly! We will try our level best. I have to mention to the hon. Member that during the Road Safety Week, which is next week, more measures will be announced. Not only in the region, but around the island.

Thank you. Dr. Ms Thannoo, please! Last question for this morning! PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOLS – ASSISTANT TEACHERS – RECRUITMENT CRITERIA