the traders presently operating at the privately-run Bel Air old market fair, he will, for the benefit of th…
(No. B/422) Mr R. Saumtally (Third Member for Montagne Blanche & GRSE) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the traders presently operating at the privately-run Bel Air old market fair, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the District Council of Flacq, information as to where matters stand as to the second expression of interest launched on 01 October 2024 for the allocation of stalls to the traders at the newly constructed market fair, indicating the measures being taken to expedite this transition.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, further to my previous reply to Parliamentary Question B/65 on Tuesday 17 December 2024, I wish to provide the House with a brief and updated process regarding the relocation of remaining traders from the privately-run Bel Air old market fair to the newly constructed market fair facility. There are 340 traders who are operating at the privately-run Bel Air Market. Following the launch of an Expression of Interest (EOI) on 19 April 2024, 145 traders were successfully relocated to the new market. However, around 195 traders, either did not show any interest in the relocation or failed to meet the criteria outlined in the expression of interest. Out of a total of 515 available stalls at the new market, 321 were allocated following the first EOI. Since then, 18 traders surrendered their stalls and seven more traders did so earlier this year leaving a balance of 219 stalls currently available for allocation, according to information provided by the Council.
60 As regard to the main question to expedite the relocation of the remaining traders, a second Expression of Interest was launched on 01 October 2024 pursuant to section 57 of the Local Government Act 2011. As at closing of application date on 04 November 2024, a total of 353 applications were received and referred to the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) for assessment. I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that the evaluation exercise was completed on 17 April 2025. The Council will now proceed with the drawing of lots for the allocation of stalls this week on Thursday, 08 May 2025 in the presence of all eligible applicants, two Court Ushers from the Supreme Court, and the Principal Internal Control Officer together with other senior officers of the Council. Upon completion of the allocation exercise, successful bid applicants will be required to pay the prescribed market fees and sign the occupation contract, accordingly. All successful applicants will be expected to occupy their respective stalls as from 01 June 2025. I wish to assure the House that my Ministry is working in close collaboration with the District Council of Flacq to expedite this transition and to ensure that all eligible and interested traders are fairly accommodated within the shortest possible timeframe.
Hon. Second Member for Rodrigues! RODRIGUES – CHILDREN’S COURT – ESTABLISHMENT