Reply: In 2005, the Forestry Services of the then Ministry Agro-Industry and Food Security prosecuted one Mr M.B.W. for having undertaken an illegal construction of a boundary wall retaining wall and a concrete building at ground floor along the Rivulet St Louis River Reserve, which is causing obstruction of the watercourse. These constructions date back to 2005. The Municipal City Council of Port Louis (MCCPL) has informed that the building houses a poultry pen. In view of the fact that river reserves fall under the portfolio of the Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, the MCCPL has informed that it has no locus standi in this matter. In 2005, the Forestry Services of the then Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security prosecuted the owner of the premises before the District Court of Moka. The Court ordered the demolition of the illegal development within a period of one year, and the owner was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. However, the owner did not comply with the Court Order, and in 2009, the latter was again prosecuted. The Court ordered him to pull down the illegal construction and to pay a fine of Rs 3,000. In 2012, he was ordered by Court to pay Rs 3,000 for still not having complied to the Court Order.

131 On 13 December 2024, the then Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Local Government effected a site visit at the Morcellement Raffray and it was found that the illegal structure was still encroaching on the river reserve across some 5 metres. Following a meeting held at the Ministry of Local Government on 16 December 2024, under the chairpersonship of the then Senior Chief Executive, it was recommended that the matter be referred to the Forestry Department to seek the advice of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) due to the fact that the development was made on the reserve of the Rivulet St Louis with an encroachment of some 5 metres. I am informed that on the 12 February 2025, the Forestry Department informed this Ministry that it had already submitted all the relevant documents to the AGO. My Ministry has sent an email to the Forestry Department with respect to the aforementioned matter and a status update is awaited. ADVISERS/SENIOR ADVISERS – MONTHLY ALLOWANCE, GRATUITY & BENEFITS – QUANTUM (No. B/585) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the monthly allowance, gratuity and other benefits to which Advisers and Senior Advisers are entitled, he will state whether same have recently been revised, and, if so, indicate the – (a) quantum thereof, whether in cash or in kind, and (b) effective date thereof. Reply: I wish to refer the hon. Member to the statement I made in the House on Wednesday 25 June 2025 on the salaries payable to Advisers. As I stated, with a view to rationalising the monthly allowances payable to Advisers, my Government has categorised advisers into five categories, namely – (i) Senior Adviser (Technical); (ii) Senior Adviser;

132 (iii) Adviser; (iv) Adviser on Information Matters, and (v) Adviser on Public Relations Matters. As I said, Government also wants to be transparent in respect to the different scales of salaries applicable to Advisers. We do not want to leave it to the discretion of whoever comes to power to decide on his own personal volition, his personal wishes, how much of public money should be spent on people who have been recruited by them. As such, with the new grading and pay structure, all persons enlisted in a particular category would now draw the same pay package, contrary to past practice under the previous government. In regard to part (a) of the question, the quantum now in force are – SSR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – ADDITIONAL PARKING SLOTS – DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE (No. B/586) Mr T. Apollon (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from Airport Terminal Operations Ltd., information as to whether consideration will be given for the provision thereat of – (a) additional parking slots, roads and exit gates, and (b) adequate directional signage on the parking areas of the Old Terminal, indicating the current use made thereof and if same will be operational anew and, if so, when, giving details thereof. (Withdrawn) S/N Category Quantum (i) Senior Adviser (Technical) Rs 100,000 (ii) Senior Adviser Rs 90,000 (iii) Adviser Rs 70,000 (iv) Adviser on Information Matters Rs 66,200 (v) Adviser on Public Relations Matters Rs 60,000

133 HOMICIDE & VIOLENT DEATH – REPORTED CASES – PERIOD NOV 2024- JUNE 2025 (No. B/587) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to homicide and violent death, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the number of reported cases thereof since November 2024 to date, indicating the – (a) number thereof in which arrests were effected; (b) number of suspects formally charged, and (c) measures envisaged to address the issue and reduce the occurrence thereof. Reply: The terms “homicide” and “violent-death,” as referred to by the hon. Member, are offences which are categorised as murder, manslaughter, murder of a newly born child, castration causing death, assault with premeditation causing death and assault upon father or mother with aggravating circumstances causing death in the Criminal Code. With regard to parts (a) and (b) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that from November 2024 to 04 July 2025, 24 cases of murder and 1 case of manslaughter were reported to the Police. 46 persons were arrested in connection with these cases, out of which, 45 persons were provisionally charged for murder and 1 for manslaughter. As regards part (c) of the question, I am further informed that since this Government took office, several measures have been put in place by the Mauritius Police Force as part of an integrated approach to reduce the occurrence of such crimes. These include inter alia – (i) The adoption of a risk-based approach by regularly visiting elderly and vulnerable persons to ensure their security and aggressive sensitisation campaigns across the island focused on safety, security, and crime prevention by the Crime Prevention Unit and the Brigade pour la Protection de la Famille; (ii) The establishment of a dedicated Homicide Review Committee by the Brigade pour la Protection de la Famille to study crime trends and identify root causes, especially in cases of femicide and domestic violence-related deaths as well as the increasing use of SafeCity Cameras for crime detection, and (iii) The enlistment of a retired officer with extensive expertise in homicide investigations to guide and support Enquiring Officers in criminal investigation.

134 These actions are part of our broader national strategy to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, and these are already giving results with a 12% decrease in the crime rate compared to the same period last year. Moreover, as I have already stated in the House on Thursday 19 June 2025, that several reforms are being brought in the Mauritius Police Force, and new technological equipment are being purchased for the Police to maintain law and order. These reforms reflect the Government’s clear commitment to ensuring the safety of every citizen, with special attention to the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable in our society. My Government has always ensured that our institutions are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to carry out their duties diligently and without interference. COCAINE SEIZURE (95 KG) – INTERPOL ASSISTANCE – COCAINE STORAGE (No. B/588) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the 95 kg of cocaine worth Rs 1.4 billion seized in a backhoe loader on 04 July 2019, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to where matters stand regarding the inquiry initiated thereinto, indicating whether the – (a) assistance of Interpol is envisaged in relation thereto, and (b) cocaine is in the possession of the Police and, if so, further indicate whether – (i) all the 95 kg is stored and where, and (ii) regular monitoring thereof is carried out. (Withdrawn) MRS S.O., ATTORNEY AT LAW – FEES & ALLOWANCES & FRINGE BENEFITS (No. B/589) Mr R. Jhummun (Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles & Souillac) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to Mrs S.O., Attorney at Law, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the total quantum of fees and allowances paid out thereto, together with the other fringe benefits to which she was entitled, over the period 2015 to 2024 in her capacity as legal representative, chairperson, board member and for any other legal services rendered to the different Ministries and parastatal bodies.

135 (Withdrawn) RODRIGUES REGIONAL ASSEMBLY – PUBLIC FUNDS MANAGEMENT – TRANSPARENCY& ACCOUNTABILITY (No. B/590) Mr F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Accounts of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, he will state – (a) the measures and remedial actions, if any, taken to strengthen the governance and management of public funds for budget transparency, accountability and credibility thereof, and (b) whether new guidelines have been issued for the reallocation and virement of funds, as recommended in the Fourth Report of the Public Accounts Committee of the Seventh National Assembly and, if so, give details thereof and, if not, why not. (Withdrawn) REWARD MONEY – QUANTUM ALLOCATED – CHECK & BALANCE MECHANISM (No. B/591) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to reward money, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the – (a) quantum thereof allocated to Police Officers over each of the past five financial years; (b) procedures followed therefor, and (c) check and balance mechanism put in place to prevent abuse and illicit use thereof. (Withdrawn) BANK CHEQUES – PROPOSED PHASE OUT (No. B/592) Mr L. Caserne (Third Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in

136 regard to the use of bank cheques as means of payment, he will state if consideration will be given for the phasing out thereof and, if so, when and, if not, why not. Reply: I am informed that as part of the modernisation and digitalisation of the domestic banking and payment services sector, the Bank of Mauritius is adopting a strategy for promoting digital payments in Mauritius. Digital banking is becoming more prominent everywhere. Despite the rise of digital banking, cheques are still a crucial part of the banking industry and is an option still widely in use. However, the switch to digital payments will go concurrently and is expected to yield more transparency, allowing for conducive lending to different sectors in the economy. PORT MATHURIN POST OFFICE – CUSTOMS UNIT – DRUG DETECTION (No. B/593) Mr F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the fight against proliferation of drugs through loose parcel in Rodrigues through the Port Mathurin Post Office by Customs, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) where matters stand as to the proposed installation of a scanner thereat for drug detection, indicating how this exercise is carried out presently in the absence of such an equipment, and (b) the amount of drugs seized over the past five years thereat, indicating the types and market value thereof. Reply: In regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) that on 19 June 2025, a bidding exercise has been launched for the procurement of two X-Ray scanners to be installed at the Parcel Post and the Port in Rodrigues. The closing date for submission of bids has been fixed for 23 July 2025. It is expected that the contract will be awarded in October 2025 and the equipment will be commissioned in Rodrigues in January 2026. I am further informed by the MRA that all incoming loose packets and parcels are processed at the Port Louis Post Office commonly known as the Parcel Post Office. Officers of the MRA Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) and Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) are permanently posted thereat with a specific mandate for the detection of

137 prohibited goods including dangerous drugs. They make use of profiling techniques and X- Ray scanners and they are assisted by the MRA and ADSU K9 Unit whereby sniffer dogs are deployed on a daily basis for sniffing operation. Loose packets and parcels destined for Rodrigues which are suspected to contain dutiable, prohibited goods or products requiring authorization from Other Government Agencies (OGA) such as the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Mauritius Standard Bureau are retained for physical examination by Customs Officers posted at Port Mathurin Post Office. The retained packets and parcels are placed in bags, which are sealed by Officers of the MRA Customs and the Mauritius Post Ltd, to be transported to the airport and to Rodrigues under customs control. This exercise is monitored by the representatives of MRA Customs and the Mauritius Post Ltd. Should the MRA CANS and ADSU have reasons to believe that a particular packet or parcel might contain dangerous drugs, the Officer-in-Charge of the MRA Customs and ADSU of both Mauritius and Rodrigues are immediately notified to that effect. In Rodrigues, Customs Officers posted at the Port Mathurin Post Office carries out a further profiling exercise with the assistance of Police dogs. All the retained suspicious packets and parcels are examined by Customs and ADSU Officers in the presence of the consignee in accordance with section 27 of the Customs Act and the MRA Customs Departmental Instruction No.1 of 2016. In case of any detection of dangerous drugs and other prohibited goods in the parcel, same is secured and handed over to ADSU/CID for safe custody and enquiry. For local parcels and packets destined for Rodrigues, the packaging is done in presence of the representatives of the Mauritius Post Ltd at the Post Office counters. The sender has to provide a detailed list of contents being shipped to Rodrigues. Sniffer dogs are deployed at the Parcel Post Office for the detection of prohibited goods. Scanning exercise is also carried out whenever necessary. All the operations are carried out in the presence of representatives of Mauritius Post Ltd, prior to dispatching to Rodrigues. Customs Officers posted at the Port Mathurin Post Office carry out a profiling exercise to identify any suspicious packet and parcel for physical examination.

138 In regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that for year 2020 to 03 July 2025, two cases of Possession of Dangerous Drugs concerning loose parcels at Port Mathurin Post Office were reported as follows – (i) on 18 August 2020, two male persons were arrested when they came to collect their loose parcel which contained 1.44 grams of heroin having a street value of Rs 15,000. They were sentenced on 15 September 2023, and (ii) on 14 May 2025, a loose parcel suspected to contain 3.25 grams of Cannabis having a street value of Rs 3,936 remained unclaimed at Port Mathurin Post Office. The report of the Forensic Science Laboratory is awaited for confirmation. Police enquiry is ongoing. ROSE BELLE CIVIL STATUS OFFICE – RELOCATION (No. B/594) Mr A. Ramdass (Third Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Rose Belle Civil Status Office, he will state if consideration will be given for the relocation thereof in a premise of good standard and comprising basic amenities and in the vicinity of the Health Office delivering permits for cremation. (Withdrawn) OFFICIAL OVERSEAS MISSIONS – FORMER PRIME MINISTER, MINISTERS & MPs – COSTS BREAKDOWN (No. B/595) Mr R. Jhummun (Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles & Souillac) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to official overseas missions undertaken by the former Prime Minister, former Ministers and Members of Parliament over the period 2015 to 2019 and 2020-2024, respectively, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the total cost incurred therefor, including the cost of airfares and per diem allowances. (Vide Reply to PQ B/581)

139 DRUGS – WEST COAST & “LA PASSE” ENTRANCES – ARRESTS (No. B/596) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to drugs, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the number of arrests effected on the West Coast in connection therewith, especially, on boats coming from Reunion Island, indicating if consideration will be given for the installation of Safe City Surveillance Cameras on the four entrances of “La Passe”. (Withdrawn) DIEGO GARCIA – UK-US MILITARY BASE –AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAN (No. B/597) Dr. F. Aumeer (Third Member for Port-Louis South & Port-Louis Central) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the joint UK-US military base located on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago on which the Republic of Mauritius exercises its sovereignty, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to whether same was used in the recent air strikes launched against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Reply: The answer is no. RODRIGUES – MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE PLATFORM – AVAILABLE SERVICES (No. B/626) Mr J. Edouard (Fourth Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Land Transport whether, in regard the online Motor Vehicle Licence Platform, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Land Transport Authority, information as to whether same is currently available to residents of Rodrigues and, if so, indicate the services available through same. Reply: I am informed by the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) that there are currently 22,514 Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL)Tax payers in Rodrigues which include 21, 838 owners of private vehicles and 676 Public Service Vehicle licensees. Previously, MVLs were being renewed at the three counters at the NLTA Rodrigues Office at Baie Lascar, Port Mathurin and the five post offices which are located at Port Mathurin, Mont Lubin, La Ferme, Grand Montagne and Rivière Coco.

140 However, since 20 September 2024, the Online MVL platform has been introduced in Rodrigues whereby the residents can avail from the same online facilities as those provided in Mauritius, namely – I. renewal of Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL - commonly known as “Déclaration”) by owners of private vehicles, and II. renewal of both MVL and Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL also commonly known as “Patente”) by holders of PSVL. It is to be highlighted that the initial online MVL platform has had a meagre uptake in Rodrigues such that only 21 users thereat (representing less than 1%) have renewed their MVL online since its introduction on 20 September 2024 up to end of May 2025 implying that most MVLs are still being renewed at the NLTA Rodrigues Office and Post Offices. Surprisingly, since the launching of the enhanced Online MVL platform on 03 June this year, both in Mauritius and Rodrigues, only two online transactions have been carried on the said platform in Rodrigues. This Government has always favoured a very inclusive approach in policy making and implementation. Accordingly, my Ministry has already started working on several strategic areas which need to be strengthened in Rodrigues with a view to ensuring coherence in the policies and facilities provided to the citizens of Rodrigues. To that effect, a visit to Rodrigues in the very near future is also being contemplated and a hotline facility service will soon be put in place to assist users. This will be accompanied by a sensitisation campaign. As regards the Online MVL system, my Ministry will work closely with the NLTA Office in Rodrigues and other stakeholders in order to take prompt remedial actions that will assist in boosting the uptake of this platform in the best interest of the citizens of Rodrigues. PALMA DISPENSARY – PROPOSED RENOVATION/RELOCATION (No. B627) Ms S. Anquetil (Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to the dispensary at Palma, he will state if consideration will be given for the renovation or relocation thereof and, if so, indicate when, giving details thereof and, if not, why not. (Withdrawn) GLYPHOSATE & GLYPHOSATE-BASED HERBICIDES – PROPOSED BANNING

141 (No. B/628) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides, he will state if consideration will be given for the banning thereof in Mauritius in the light of the scientific evidence established by the global research led by the Ramazzini Institute (June 2025) linking the use thereof and the carcinogenic effects of exposure thereto at levels previously deemed safe by EU standards. (Withdrawn) MORCELLEMENT ST ANDRÉ FOOTBALL GROUND – UPGRADING (No. B/629) Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the Morcellement St André Football Ground, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the – (a) quantum of funds allocated for the upgrading thereof, more specifically for the lighting and fencing thereof, and (b) expected start and completion dates thereof. (Withdrawn) SMALL SUGARCANE PLANTERS – SUPPORT MEASURES (No. B/630) Dr. S. Prayag (First Member for Piton & Rivière du Rempart) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the small sugarcane planters, he will state the measures being taken to secure – (a) adequate labour availability for the cultivation and harvesting of the fields thereof; (b) availability thereto of mechanised solutions to address labour shortage; (c) improved targeted financial assistance, subsidies or credit schemes to support mechanisation and improve overall productivity and viability thereof, and (d) importation of labour with other Ministries. (Withdrawn)

142 COTTAGE-POUDRE D'OR HAMLET ROAD – ROAD SAFETY MEASURES – ROAD WIDENING (No. B/631) Dr. S. Prayag (First Member for Piton & Rivière du Rempart) asked the Minister of National Infrastructure whether, in regard to the road from Cottage to Poudre d'Or Hamlet, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Road Development Authority, information as to whether consideration will be given for the implementation of road safety measures thereat, including the – (a) installation of pavements and handrails through compulsory acquisition of lands along the main roads to ensure pedestrian security, and (b) widening thereof. (Withdrawn) 14TH MONTH BONUS 2025 – RETIREES/PENSIONERS – ELIGIBILITY (No. B/632) Mr J. Edouard (Fourth Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations whether, in regard to the payment of the 14th Month’ Bonus 2025, he will state the number of retirees/pensioners having reportedly not received same as at to date, indicating if certain categories thereof are not eligible thereto and, if not, why not. Reply: I wish to refer the hon. Member to my reply to PQ B/310 at our Sitting of 08 April 2025, whereby, I informed the House that, in December 2024, Government introduced a Special Allowance (14th month bonus) for some 420,200 employees from both the private and public sectors as well as a one-month allowance to every pensioner, widow, orphan and disabled person in Mauritius. This applies to individuals who draw a basic wage salary at a rate not exceeding Rs50,000 monthly. The Special Allowance is equivalent to one-month basic wage or salary for employees who have been in continuous employment for the whole of the year 2024 or is pro-rated for those who were in continuous employment for only part of the year 2024, including those who retired during the course of year 2024. As at end of August 2025, my Ministry has received representations concerning non- payment of Special Allowance from retired employees relating to five organisations, namely, Mauritius Post Ltd, Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd, Airports of Mauritius Ltd, Central Electricity Board and Mauritius Cane Industry Authority. In all the above cases, the employees had retired prior to year 2024 and accordingly, were not eligible for the Special Allowance 2024, as per the provisions of the Special Allowance Act 2024.

143 The State Law Office which was consulted on the matter has highlighted that – a) Government’s decision of 13 December 2024 refers only to the payment of a 14th month bonus to beneficiaries of basic pensions and public pensioners, and b) on 19 December 2024, the Ministry of Finance has issued a Circular which provided for the modalities and arrangements for the payment of 14th month bonus for year 2024 to public officers, local government officers, officers of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and employees of statutory bodies whose terms and conditions are governed by the Pay Research Bureau. The State Law Office has thus opined that as the law currently stands there is no legal requirement for the payment of the Special Allowance to the pensioners of the aforesaid entities. With regard to complaints received at the Inspection and Enforcement Section in the different Labour Offices, I am informed that 26 individual cases were received for non- payment of the Special Allowance 2024 to eligible employees who retired during the year 2024 out of which – a) 22 cases were settled and an amount of Rs271,275.34 was paid; b) one case was rejected because the complainant failed to turn up; c) of the two cases where the employer has refused to settle the Special Allowance, one case has been referred to the Industrial Court by way of a Plaint and the case is coming Pro Forma on 16 October 2025 and the other case has been referred to Chambers and the Pro Forma date is yet to be communicated to my Ministry, and d) in one case, parties have agreed for payment in instalments and the last instalment will be paid by the end of September 2025. ROCHE BOIS WASTE TRANSFER STATION – RELOCATION PROJECT– COMPULSORY LAND ACQUISITION AT BAIE DU TOMBEAU (No. B/633) Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet ) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether, in regard to the land situated around the Waste Water Treatment Plant at Baie du Tombeau, he will state the reasons why his Ministry is pursuing the compulsory acquisition thereof for the proposed relocation of the Waste Transfer Station of Roche Bois thereat when the Ministry of Environment has not prepared and Government has not approved any such project. (Withdrawn)

144 DIVING CENTRE ACCIDENT – INQUIRY – REMEDIAL ACTIONS (No. B/634) Mr T. Apollon (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Tourism whether, in regard to the recent accident that occurred in a diving centre in the north of the island, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) whether an inquiry has been carried out thereinto and the outcome thereof; (b) remedial actions taken, if any, in relation to the suspected cause thereof, and (c) the measures taken, if any, to accompany family members of the victim thereof. (Withdrawn) PUBLIC PLACES – RAT INFESTATION – URGENT REMEDIAL MEASURES & CONTRACTS (No. B/635) Mr L. Caserne (Third Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to the public places, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Health Services, information as to whether rat infestation has been observed thereat and, if so, indicate if urgent remedial measures will be taken in relation thereto, including if consideration will be given for the contracting out of the services to private rodent control service providers. Reply: The issue regarding rat infestation in public places falls under the purview of other national agencies such as the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change. These Ministries make their own arrangements for rodent control through the appointment of specialised private service providers. However, the Rodent Control Unit (RCU) of my Ministry performs regular rodent control activities in all public health institutions, namely all Government Hospitals, Mediclinics, Area Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Medical Stores, Vagrant Depot and various offices of my Ministry, as well as, other Government institutions, such as, the Prime Minister’s Office in case of any complaints received. The Unit also carries out interventions on private premises where Leptospirosis cases have been notified. From 2019 to May 2025 – (i) the RCU has conducted 54,325 visits;

145 (ii) 25,411 rats have been caught and killed, and (iii) 45,150 sensitisation programmes on rodent control for the public have been carried out by the Unit. RODRIGUES – NEW SPORTS BILL – COMITÉ RÉGIONAL OLYMPIQUE ET SPORTIF (No. B/636) Mr F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the proposed introduction of a new administrative framework and a new Sports Bill, he will state where matters stand, indicating if – (a) prior consultations have been or will be held with Rodrigues sports communities, and (b) Government is agreeable to the setting up of a special committee to make recommendations on the setting up and missions of a Comité Régional Olympique et Sportif (CROS) for Rodrigues and, if so, when. (Withdrawn) SSR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – BYPASS ROAD – UPGRADING & EMBELLISHMENT (No. B/637) Mr T. Apollon (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of National Infrastructure whether, in regard to the new bypass road leading to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Road Development Authority, information as to whether consideration will be given for the – (a) upgrading and embellishing of the roundabouts and motorway along same, and (b) review of the existing and installation of new directional road traffic signs and street lighting thereat. Reply: The House may recall that in 2017, the Road Development Authority (RDA) implemented the New Airport Access Road, which the hon. Member is referring to as the new bypass road leading to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. However, it is only now after I assumed office, that an agreement has been finalised and duly signed for the transfer of lands on which the road had been constructed.

146 Those lands belong mostly to Omnicane Ltd and, partly, to some ten private land owners. With the signature of the agreement, the private land owners will now be provided agricultural land at the ratio of 1:1.25, that is, for a portion of land of an extent of 1m2 transferred to Government, Omnicane will transfer an extent of 1.25m2 of land to them. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that, along this road, there are five roundabouts which are all being maintained by private companies namely – (i) Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport roundabout – embellished and maintained by Airports of Mauritius Co. Ltd; (ii) Mon Trésor roundabout – embellished and maintained by Omnicane Limited; (iii) Des Places roundabout – embellished and maintained by Omnicane Limited; (iv) Union Vale roundabout – embellished and maintained by Omnicane Limited, and (v) Mare D'Albert roundabout – embellished and maintained by Aegle Onco Care Centre Ltd. I am also informed by the RDA that it ensures regular inspection of the road and is satisfied that these roundabouts are being maintained properly. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed by the RDA that it has carried out a survey along the road to identify faded or deficient directional road traffic signs. Accordingly, eight traffic signs have been replaced in June 2025 and eight are being manufactured to be replaced by end of this month. This will ensure a better visibility of the signs as well as better directional guidance. As regards street lighting, I would like to refer the hon. Member to my reply of 18 March 2025 wherein I informed the House that the provision and maintenance of all street lighting found along Motorways M1, M2 and M3, including the new road leading to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, fall under the purview of the Local Authorities and the Central Electricity Board (CEB). I am also given to understand from the District Council of Grand Port that it is liaising with its parent Ministry, for the handing over of the street lighting network, along that stretch, to the CEB. HIGHER EDUCATION – INTERNATIONALISATION – IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES (No. B/638) Mr N. Beejan (Second Member for Grand Baie & Poudre d’Or) asked the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research whether, in regard to the

147 implementation of the internationalisation of higher education, he will state the measures hitherto taken, as outlined in the Government Programme 2025-2029. Reply: In line with Government’s vision, as stated in the Government programme 2025-2029, to position Mauritius as a globally competitive and vibrant higher education hub, my Ministry, in collaboration with the different institutions operating under its aegis, has initiated numerous actions in the areas focused on science, research, innovation and higher education. At the centre of these actions is the setting up of the National Committee on Internationalisation of Higher Education, National Committee of Branding and Marketing of Higher Education, and the “Study-in-Mauritius” Committee. These committees have presented their findings at the Higher Education Summit which was held from 04 to 06 June. Each committee comprised several experts with the mandate of recommending a set of strategies to successfully implement the internationalisation of our higher education sector under the “Study in Mauritius” banner. The Committees are actively developing a roadmap to attract international students from key regions. This also includes reviewing and proposing amendments to visa and work permit policies, simplifying application processes, and introducing a post-study work visa framework to retain talent. Secondly, taking into consideration the importance of students’ well-being and integration, the Committees are also working on guidelines for language support, cultural adaptation, access to health services, student orientation, and housing standards tailored to international needs. Thirdly, our strategy includes promoting transnational education through joint degrees, academic exchanges, and virtual mobility programmes. The Committee is further exploring partnerships with globally reputed institutions to co-organise conclaves of university leaders, research collaboration platforms, and international academic festivals in Mauritius. To facilitate the internationalisation process and position as a preferred destination for the higher education sector, a strategic collaboration has been established between the Higher Education Commission and the Quality Assurance Agency of the United Kingdom in May of this year. This collaboration will lead to a streamlined accreditation process within the Mauritian higher education jurisdiction, as programmes which have already been quality assured by QAA-UK will be subject to a streamlined accreditation process by HEC. This will be instrumental in positioning Mauritius as a credible, quality-driven educational hub.

148 We are also encouraging our higher education institutions to foster international partnerships, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a meaningful collaboration that enhances institutional quality, research output, and global relevance. All these measures converge towards developing the higher education sector as a key economic pillar and transforming Mauritius into a beacon of academic and research excellence. MFA SEMI-FINAL MATCH – CERCLE DE JOACHIM vs LA CURE WAVES – CHANGE OF VENUE (No. B/639) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the change of venue for the holding of the football semi-final match of the Mauritius Football Association (MFA) Cup between Cercle de Joachim and La Cure Waves on Wednesday 25 June 2025 from the stadium found at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex to the St François Xavier Stadium, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the MFA, information as to the reasons therefor. Reply: I am informed by the Mauritius Football Association (MFA) that the semi-final of the MFA Cup 2025 between Cercle de Joachim Curepipe Club Sportif and La Cure Waves S.C. was initially scheduled to be played on Sunday 22 June 2025 at Auguste Vollaire Stadium and the final on Saturday 28 June 2025 at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. I am further informed by the MFA that the final of the Republic Cup 2025 was scheduled on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. The MFA has informed that its National Managing Committee met on 16 June 2025 and decided that a final such as the Republic Cup must be organised during a weekend instead of a weekday. Since the final of the MFA Cup was already scheduled for Saturday 28 June 2025 and that La Cure Waves S.C. could also be qualified for the MFA Cup Final, the MFA opted for the weekend 21 to 22 June 2025. I am informed that it was in this context that the National Managing Committee of the MFA decided to play the final of the Republic Cup on Sunday, 22 June 2025 at Auguste Vollaire Stadium and the semi-final of the MFA Cup on 25 June 2025 at Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. However, the MFA’s request to play the semi-final of the MFA Cup at Côte

149 d’Or National Sports Complex on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 was turned down by the Mauritius Multisports Infrastructure Ltd. as they had approved only for finals to be played. Accordingly, I am informed by the MFA that St. Francois Xavier stadium was the only alternative stadium with lighting that could host this semi-final on a weekday. ST MARTIN DAM LEISURE PARK PROJECT – CONTRACTOR/S – MATERIALS SUPPLY (No. B/640) Mr P. Venkatasami (Third Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the St Martin Dam Leisure Park Project in Quartier Militaire, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the District Council of Moka, information as to – (a) the names of the contractor/s involved therein, indicating the quantum of funds paid to each in respect of works carried out, and (b) if the District Council supplied materials therefor and, if so, give details thereof. (Withdrawn)