Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the National Transport Corporation that in line with the street renewal strategy and the planned deployment of its electric fleet, the consultancy services of Aequalis Consulting Engineers Co. Ltd were enlisted on two occasions namely, a first time in 2023, for a feasibility study on consultancy for design and charging system and infrastructure for electric buses across six NTC depots, and a second time in 2024. In the interest of time, I am tabling the full scope of work for the initial feasibility study.

58 With regard to part (b) of the question, I wish to inform the House that for the first contract, an invitation for bids was sought by mail on 02 June 2023 through a restricted bidding exercise from nine companies. Again, in the interest of time, I am tabling the full list of the nine companies. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at time of closing on 15 June 2023, that is, 13 days later, only one bid was received which was evaluated and recommended by the Bid Evaluation Committee. The then management submitted its bid to the Board of the NTC for approval on 19 June 2023, that is, four days later. The next day, on 20 June 2023, a Letter of Award was subsequently issued to Aequalis Consulting Engineers Co. Ltd for the sum of Rs1.725 million VAT inclusive. I am informed that these 18 days it took to invite for bids, evaluate, approve and award, is a record indeed at the NTC for procurement of such nature. The House may wish to note that works as per above contract was deemed completed by the then management of the NTC and payment was effected to Aequalis Consulting Engineers Co. Ltd on 07 September 2023, that is, some two months later. As regard the second contract, I am informed that following the recommendations of the then management, the NTC Board approved on 29 July 2024 that for continuity of consultancy services, Aequalis Consulting Engineers Company Ltd be resorted, inter alia, for additional services in respect of preparation of bidding documents, quantity surveying services, evaluation of bids and commissioning of works for the setting up of charging infrastructure for electric buses. As at date, a sum of Rs225,000 has been paid to the consultant for the second contract out of a total of Rs685,000 which I am informed, was the ceiling provided under the procurement laws for extension of contract. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, for the first contract, I am informed that the conditions were as per the Letter of award. For the second contract, I am informed by the NTC that the second order bearing No. 83275 was issued on 23 August 2024 to Aequalis Consulting Engineers Company Ltd to carry out consultancy services as per quoted price of Rs685,000. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards the hon. Member’s specific question on terms and conditions, I am afraid I cannot possibly provide any more details as I am informed that the then management under former General Manager, Mr Rao Ramah did not sign any contract with the said consultant for the extension, that is, the second extension.

59 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, because of this awkward situation of the NTC inherited from Mr Ramah, there is today, a problematic situation where the design of Aequalis Consulting Engineers Company Ltd and that, being proposed by the contractor appointed by the Indian side which is Switch Mobility from India are not attuned because they diverge. This has led to a huge delay in the process to the point that I had to chair a meeting on 3 July 2025, during which I had given an ultimatum to Aequalis Consulting Engineers Company Ltd to complete its part of the contract, that is, the extension that awarded on a mere service order. Aequalis Consulting Engineers has undertaken to complete all the works, all the documents by the end of this week. As a last note, this delay has already caused a setback in the operations of the 100 electric buses by the National Transport Corporation. Thank you.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir!

Yes, one supplementary.

So important, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. It would appear that the extension of the original contract deviates seriously from the good governance practices. Will the Minister inform the House – clarify – how the NTC intends to proceed without a proper signed contract outlining the terms and conditions? Thank you.

Yes, it is a bit too much too late because the contract was not signed but I had called them at the office on 3 July and I have asked them for national interest they have to complete this project because the 100 buses from India, 10 of them have already arrived and the rest are awaiting the completion of these works to be able to shift and balance of 90.

A last one please!

Go ahead.

I thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Would the Minister inform the House the actions being taken to charge the electric buses with renewable energy? Thank you.

I thank the hon. Member for this very pertinent question. Indeed, electric vehicles are more polluting in Mauritius, I said it during the PNQ. I have started discussions with the Global Environment Fund in order to secure funds and facilities

60 to install solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftop of the NTC depot so that we can mitigate the environmental impact.

Thank you. Hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! MAURITIUS SPORTS COUNCIL – BOARD COMPOSITION – ALLOWANCES & BENEFITS