Reply: In November 2023, a Barachois Policy was established to outline the criteria for the allocation of barachois which were vested in the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. The Policy makes provision for the procedures for the allocation of unallocated barachois as well as barachois which were already occupied prior to the establishment of the policy. It also outlines the rent applicable for occupying the barachois, the monitoring plan of the activities carried out thereat and the modalities for Lease Agreement with promoters. Currently, there are two barachois which are operational in Poudre d’Or, and have been allocated to promoters, and not leased to them. These are as follows – (i) Barachois Lagesse also known as Petit Barachois allocated on 09 January 2024 for oyster culture to Persand Royal Company Ltd having as director Mr Khemraj Persand and address Couacaud Road, Grand Gaube, and

123 (ii) Grand Barachois also known as Bassin Humbert allocated to Mauricoast Ltd on 17 September 2015, having as director Mr Yashodhar Boygah and address Maurel Road, Rivière du Rempart. The activities carried out by the abovementioned promoters are as follows – (i) Barachois Lagesse also known as Petit Barachois Persand Royal Company Ltd has been allocated the Petit Barachois of an extent of 19 Arpents for the barachois and 3A 25 Perches for the adjoining state land for oyster culture for a period of three years which was to be carried out jointly with the Aquaculture Division of Albion Fisheries Research Centre of my Ministry. Following a site visit in March 2025, it has been observed that the species that are currently farmed in plastic drums in the barachois are oysters, clams and crabs. Trials on sea urchins farming through the fattening method has also been undertaken. Future development in the barachois include the construction of a hatchery, a depuration station and a laboratory. A Lease Agreement which is currently at the level of the Attorney General’s Office will soon be signed with the company. (ii) Grand Barachois also known as Bassin Humbert Mauricoast Ltd has been allocated the Grand Barachois of an extent of 110 Arpents 02 Perches for the barachois and 11 A 85 Perches for the adjoining state land for mud crab, sea cucumber and oyster aquaculture project for an initial period of five years renewable on mutual consent. Following a site visit in March 2025, it has been observed that the species that are currently farmed in the barachois are oysters and mud crabs. There was also seed production of sea cucumber and sea cucumber juveniles have been released in the barachois. Trials on production of saline tolerant Tilapia have been undertaken in recent years. Future development plan includes production of high economic value neutraceuticals for the cosmetic and health industry. Following the submission of its project write up, the company has been favourably considered in an Assessment Committee in March 2025. A Lease Agreement will soon be signed with the promoter.

124 As regards part (b) of the question, no lease agreement has been signed with any company. FOOTBALL PITCH, BEL AIR – UPGRADING WORKS