Thank you very much, hon. Member. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the sheltered farming project at Plaine Magnien, is a resounding failure of the previous government. Phase I of the project was meant for young, unemployed graduates to gain skills and experience in entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. The project was launched in April 2018 with the setting up of 10 net houses of 2000 square metre each and equipped with electrically powered irrigation system costing a sum of around Rs15 million. Theses net houses were allocated to trainees who had followed training in basic sheltered farming system. However, one of them withdrew from the programme and the net house was reallocated to Food and Agricultural and Research Extension Institute which is running a demonstration centre thereat. I am informed that no lease agreement has been signed with the trainees in respect of the allocated net houses and that no rent has been paid. With your permission, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am tabling the list of beneficiaries under this project. I am informed that at present, only two beneficiaries are active on sites besides Food and Agricultural and Research Extension Institute. The remaining ones have abandoned the site due to inter-alia problems associated with bedrocks on the plots that were allocated, damaged to netting systems occasioning entry of birds and pests and inadequate monitoring and follow-up by FAREI. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Phase II of the sheltered farming park at Plaine Magnien, comprising 20 net houses of approximately 2000 square metres each was completely in November 2020 for an amount of Rs36.8 million. None of the units has been allocated since 2020 due to the non-availability of water and electricity; clearly demonstrating poor

67 management and lack of overall coordination of the project where more than Rs50 million of taxpayers’ money had already been invested. Over the years, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the unoccupied net houses under both phases have reached a deplorable state. While vegetation has grown within the net houses and the surrounding areas, the nets and drip lines have been damaged and accessories and fittings have been stolen from the pump houses. I am advised that the cost of rehabilitation of one net house is estimated at around Rs600,000; this sum excludes the cost of supplying water from the boreholes to the net house. An amount of Rs5 million has been made available in the budget for current financial year for the rehabilitation of net houses at Ville Bague and Plaine Magnien but this amount obviously is insufficient to rehabilitate both phases of the project at Plaine Magnien. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is clear that this project has been plagued by serious shortcomings and serious negligence. Out of the 30 net houses, only three are being currently operated and none of the 20 net houses of the second Phase has ever been allocated to date. Considering that the shift from opened field to sheltered farming is one of the means of improving production capacity in the face of adverse impact of climate change, the project needs to be revisited. I have given firm instructions to the Senior Chief Executive and Food and Agricultural and Research Extension Institute to review the sheltered farming project.

Okay. Next question, hon. Third Member for Montagne Blanche and Grand River South East! MELROSE-DEEP RIVER ROAD – COVERED BUS STOPS – SURVEY & MAINTENANCE