Madam Speaker, waste carriers normally proceed to Mare Chicose Landfill via Cluny Road, B83, starting from its junction with the Phoenix-Plaisance Road, A10, over a length of 8km, with a road width of 3 metres each in both directions. Due to the constant movement of the waste carriers and with the expansion of the landfill, increased pressure is being exerted on Cluny Road, representing road safety hazards along the Cluny Road and at the Nouvelle France roundabout on the motorway M1. Madam Speaker, in July 2018, the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, in collaboration with other concerned Ministries, was requested to undertake a survey on the current traffic of waste carriers to Mare Chicose and thereafter to look for alternative access road bypassing Cluny and other villages in the vicinity. The Road Development Authority was accordingly requested to undertake the survey, and the latter had, in 2019, worked out an alternative alignment of a total length of 5.2 km, consisting of upgrading works along B83 Road over a length of 950 metres and construction of a new road over a length of 4.25 km. The cost estimate for the project amounted to Rs523 million, inclusive of VAT. However, the matter was not pursued further due to the high cost involved. Madam Speaker, in May 2024, the matter was revived and the RDA was requested to review its proposal for the alternative access to Mare Chicose. In October 2024, the RDA updated the cost estimate from its initial proposal to Rs891 million, inclusive of VAT. The latter additionally submitted a second proposal comprising the construction of a totally new road starting on the motorway M1, from the access road leading to Beemanique Stone Crusher Ltd at Nouvelle France, passing through vegetation areas far away from inhabited zones, over a length of 4.25 km, to end after the village of Cluny onto the Cluny Road, B83. The estimated cost of this second option is approximately Rs850 million, inclusive of VAT. Madam Speaker, upon assumption of office, I took note of the matter at a management meeting on RDA projects, held on 21 January 2025, during which I expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing the project, should the Mare Chicose Landfill be relocated in the future. It was accordingly decided that the project would be kept in abeyance for the time being as its implementation would depend on the priorities set by Government.

47 The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change has apprised that there is currently no project or proposal for the relocation of the Mare Chicose Landfill. Previous attempts to identify an alternative site for landfill development during the years 2015-2016 were unsuccessful. The contract for the vertical expansion of the existing landfill, awarded in June 2024, is expected to extend its operational lifespan by approximately 15 years. A decision will be taken in due course as regards the provision of an alternative access road to Mare Chicose.

Yes!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am perfectly aware of the financial constraints, as enumerated by the hon. Minister. However, I do learn as well that a survey has been carried out since as far back as July 2018. There is a bridge at Beemanique which is used by these heavy trailers, which is clearly not adapted for these types of vehicles and the road. As stated by the hon. Minister himself, it is way too narrow for these types of vehicles. So, will the hon. Minister consider this a matter of priority, as it is a matter of concern both from an environmental point of view and in terms of safety for the road users of Beemanique and its surroundings?

Yes, hon. Minister!

With regard to the Beemanique Bridge, it has been worked out and we can probably consider to upgrade it.

Okay, next question! Mr Edouard, Fourth Member for Rodrigues! NURSING STAFF SHORTAGE – REGISTERED NURSES – DIRECT ENLISTMENT