Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Multipurpose Complex at Montagne Blanche was designed as a one-stop shop to bring key public services closer to the community. The project valued at Rs30 million was scheduled to start on 29 January 2021 and was initially expected to be completed within eight months, that is, 240 days. The facility consists of a two-level building with a total floor area of 1600 m2 including parking facilities and was conceived to serve multiple functions –

82 • First, a reception hall with a centralised queuing system and a common waiting area for the public; • Second, multipurpose hall with an accommodation capacity of 500 people, and • Third, flexible offices spaces to host various public service providers. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the project was executed in phases under a multi-functional team. It was divided into five main components – 1) Supply of labour for the construction of the building up to a grey level stage; 2) Supply of materials for the grey level structure; 3) demolition of the old Village Hall; 4) fixing of aluminium openings in the new building, and 5) laying of tiles. To date, Rs24,769,000 has been disbursed out of the approved Rs30 million budget. I am tabling a detailed expenditure for each component and several factors that contributed to the delay in completing the Multipurpose Hall Complex. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it was only after my Ministry intervened and drew the attention the of Council to treat all projects equitably that the Council took decisive steps to accelerate progress at Montagne Blanche Multipurpose Complex. I am pleased to inform the House that the building structure has been completed up to grey level. Tiles work and the installation of aluminium opening have also been finalised. The project has now moved into the second phase which covers interior works, plumbing, electrical, networking installation, false ceilings, partitions, installation and commissioning of a lift system and the air conditioning system. Exterior works – we have waterproofing, painting, installation of Inox handrail, outdoor gym facilities, landscape, upgrading of boundary walls and gates, tarring of the parking yard and access roads. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is closely monitoring progress to ensure that the remaining works are completed without further delay so that the people of Montagne Blanche and the surrounding communities can benefit from this much needed facility at the earliest possible time.

The hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet.

83 “LE HAMEAU”, BEAU PLAN – SMART CITY PROJECT – ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT