Reply: In response to the hon. Member’s question regarding the Rohit Boolaky Stadium at Rivière du Rempart, I wish to inform the House that I personally conducted a site visit to the stadium recently. I was accompanied by hon. Ministers Raj Pentiah and Dr. Kaviraj Sukon, as well as hon. MP Nitin Prayag. During this visit, several concerns were raised by these honourable Members relating to the safety, accessibility, and long-term development of the facility. With regard to part (a) of the question, concerning the nature of the works and the estimated costs, I am advised that, as a precautionary measure, the Council temporarily closed the stadium and resolved to carry out essential repairs in phases due to limited financial resources. The first phase of works includes the following –

154 • Demolition, removal, and reconstruction of the damaged coping along the entire boundary perimeter; • Reinstatement of the lighting system around the football ground; • Completion of electrical wiring and fittings, and • Minor upgrades to the public toilets. The estimated cost for these works is Rs 1 million. A tender has been launched today for all works, excluding the toilet upgrades, which will be undertaken by the Council through in-house labour. The works are expected to last approximately 60 days, during which the stadium will remain closed. However, limited access for jogging may be allowed temporarily in response to public requests. With regard to part (b), concerning the reopening of the stadium, the exact date will depend on the timely completion and handover of the works by the contractor. My Ministry is making every effort to ensure that the stadium becomes safe and accessible to the public as soon as possible. Concerning part (c) of the question, discussion was held on the weakening of the reinforced concrete coping along the boundary wall, which the District Council identified as a safety risk to users of the football ground. This issue is an important priority and is part of a wider plan to urgently repair and improve the stadium’s infrastructure. The proposed measure also aims to improve access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks, directly responding to public concerns about restricted entry during emergencies. Additionally, replacing the solid wall with open fencing will enhance visibility and surveillance over the football ground and surrounding areas, helping to deter illicit activities, including suspected drug-related incidents reported by local residents. I assure the House that my Ministry will continue to work closely with the District Council to ensure that the Rohit Boolaky Stadium is restored to a safe and fully functional facility for the benefit of the local community. In this context, the District Council has submitted a funding request of Rs15 million for the demolition of the existing boundary wall and its replacement with open fencing. However, it is important to note that the proposed developments are subject to the availability of funds and prevailing budgetary priorities.

155 RODRIGUES – ANTOINETTE PRUDENCE STE FAMILLE RCEA, LATANIER – MINI SOCCER SYNTHETIC PITCH CONSTRUCTION