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