PQ B/992 – HON. QUIRIN – UNAUTHENTICATED TABLED DOCUMENT

Yes, hon. Members, give me one minute. I am coming back on the PQ B/992 from hon. Quirin. We received a document which hon. Quirin has kindly tabled. Unfortunately, I will not be able accept the document because it is just a list of items with estimated amounts in rupees not purporting to be any document having any connection with paragraph (c) of PQ B/992.

(Interruptions)

Just a flying document that is not authenticated. So, I am sorry, I cannot accept this document.

(Interruptions)

Mais, if you get a better document, I will accept, of course.

It is a genuine one!

Je n’ai pas compris.

It is a genuine one! I can assure you!

I do not want to be assured. It has to be authenticated.

I received it as it is.

So, we cannot do any better. Okay, these are the Standing Orders. Yes, hon. Lukeeram, please! HARRY LATOUR STADIUM – RENOVATION WORKS – UPDATE (No. B/996) Mr C. Lukeeram (Third Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the renovation works undertaken at the Harry Latour Stadium, he will state where matters stand.

Madam Speaker, the Harry Latour Stadium is owned by the Ministry and managed by the Mauritius Sports Council. It is operational and being utilised by both the public and football clubs. Following a site visit I conducted at the stadium, I requested that improvements be made thereto for provision of better services and improved security to the public. These include installation of three metal gates, construction of a new septic tank, replacement of defective floodlights and raising of a section of the boundary walls. I am informed by the MSC that these three metal gates have already been installed. A contract has already been awarded for the construction of the new septic tank. Practical handing over of site is being carried out today, 11 November 2025, and the works are expected to start by next week. The duration of the works would be 60 days. Surveys are being carried out for the replacement of defective floodlights and the raising of the boundary wall. Thereafter scope of work will be prepared and bids will be launched accordingly.

Yes? Everyone is happy? The hon. Second Member for Quartier Militaire and Moka! GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE – OCCUPATION & TENANCY ORDERS – LEGAL MEASURES (No. B/997) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare whether, in regard to gender-based violence, she will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number of Occupation and Tenancy Orders issued to victims thereof since 2019 to 2024, indicating whether her Ministry will consider commissioning a study of the reasons why Occupation and Tenancy Orders are not issued in certain identified cases and collaborating with the Attorney General’s Office to identify legal measures to address the issue.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that for the period 2019 to June 2025, a total of 42 applications for Occupation Orders and three applications for Tenancy Orders were made. Out of these, seven Occupation Orders were issued and no Tenancy Order was granted. The Protection from Domestic Violence Act was first enacted in 1997 to protect spouses from acts of domestic violence. It has since been amended in 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2016 so as to extend protection to persons living under the same roof, broaden the definition of domestic violence and strengthen penalties. Originally, the Act provided for occupation and tenancy orders under sections 4 and 5, and these were subsequently amended in 2011 through sections 4A and 4B. Such applications are made before the District Court and both types of Orders may be applied for, together with a Protection Order or separately where the safety or housing of the victim is at risk. Madam Speaker, as to the reasons why such orders are not issued, I wish to inform the House that this matter is being examined in the context of the ongoing review of the legal framework on domestic abuse. The new Domestic Abuse Bill aims at strengthening protection and support for victims and enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system. The Bill is currently being drafted at the level of the Attorney General’s Office and the issue of Occupation and Tenancy Orders will be considered as part of this legislative reform. I am informed that the commissioning of a study is not envisaged at this stage. I also understand that the draft Bill will be communicated to my Ministry by next week.

Yes, hon. Dr. Ms Thannoo? Thank you for that question. It makes three for today. Thank you! PQ B/998 has been withdrawn. So, now we have hon. First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! RODRIGUES – DISPLACEMENT & EXTENSION OF ELECTRIC POLES – MORCELLEMENT & NON_MORCELLEMENT AREAS – PENDING CASES (No. B/998) Mr F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities whether, in regard to the displacement and extension of electric poles for high and low voltage networks in Rodrigues to new residents in morcellement and non-morcellement areas on State lands, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Central Electricity Board (CEB), information as to – (a) the number of pending cases as at date for – (i) extension, and (ii) displacement to allow customers apply for CEB clearance for Building and Land Use Permit, and (b) whether – (i) a review of the CEB available Schemes to facilitate access to electricity, and (ii) consideration of special derogation for Rodrigues for remedial action to ease the financial burden on lessees thereat, will be envisaged. (Withdrawn) MAURITIUS – PROPOSED FOOTBALL PROFESSIONALISATION – IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAME (No. B/999) Ms A. Savabaddy (First Member for Port-Louis North and Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the proposed professionalisation of football in Mauritius, he will state where matters stand, indicating the expected timeframe for the implementation thereof.

Madam Speaker, with your permission I will reply to PQ B/999 and B/1021 together as they relate to the same subject. I thank the hon. Member for allowing me to expatiate the plans and programme for the revival of football in Mauritius. Madam Speaker, we all remember the golden days/years of le roi football which had firmly established itself as the island’s most popular sport, transcending ethnic, social and religious divides. The level of competition was intense and football became a unifying cultural force. Football stars in five generations of youth players with a diverse fan base and stadiums were always full, even regional matches were attended by thousands of enthusiasts. However, Madam Speaker, when I took office, football in Mauritius was in deep crisis. Our national team was languished at the bottom of FIFA rankings; stadiums were more than often empty; enthusiasm has worn off; sponsors were reluctant to invest, given the lack of competitiveness and fan interest. Young athletes often preferred other emerging sports, leaving football with a shrinking base. The collapse of Mauritius football has been mainly due to the lack of political vision of the MSM-led government over the last 10 years. These are manifold, but may be summarised as follows –  neglected youth development;  failure to address governance issues;  failure to build structure, training centres, scooting system or coaching programmes;  talented players lacked pathways to professional careers, both locally and abroad, and  poor maintenance, lack of planning and absence of community facility meant that infrastructures failed to serve as a sustainable backbone for football. The decline of Mauritian football was not a merely sporting issue, but a reflection of political short-sightedness of lack of vision. Instead of harnessing football’s unifying power, leaders allowed communal division, poor governance and quick political fixers to undermine the sport. Fortunately, Madam Speaker, Mauritius still has the potential to be a strong footballing nation. With the correct plans and political will, nous retournons au sport ses lettres de noblesse. Madam Speaker, already, the mood in the country is changing. Football matches have started to attract good crowds. The national team has started once again to perform decently. Football in villages is picking up consistently. That is palpable. The meaningful results we are now experiencing are not a mere coincidence. It is a process of a calculated approach. In this context, my Ministry and the Mauritius Football Association (MFA) have agreed to collaborate for the revival of football, which also includes the professionalism thereof. Accordingly, together with MFA, we have developed a 4-year plan for the revival and the professionalisation of football. The strategic objectives of the plan are to –  reform governance and transparency in football administration to ensure accountability, efficiency and trust;  rebuild domestic competition to attract spectators, sponsors and media attention;  develop strong grassroot and youth pathway through a comprehensive review and strengthening of écoles de football to identify and nurture talents nationwide;  professionalise football by establishing clear structures, standards and support mechanism for clubs, coaches and players to transition towards full-time professionalism;  upgrade football infrastructures across the island to meet modern, safe and inclusive standards;  invest in coaches, referees and administrators education to raise the technical and managerial level of Mauritian football;  straighten woman football as a key growth area for participation, visibility and leadership, and  rebrand football image to restore public confidence, pride and community engagement in the sport. Madam Speaker, the revival of football is estimated to cost some Rs238 million annually. The annual breakdown of the proposed budget is as follows –  Rs120 million will be dedicated to men and women clubs to support operational youth development and compliance with licensing standards.  Rs50 million will be directed towards grassroot and youth development initiative, including the revival of inter-school and inter-college competitions, the football for school programme, football training centres and community or village football activities.  Rs40 million will be invested in infrastructure and facilities, covering the development of mini pitches, upgrade to football training centres and creation of women football friendly environment.  Rs8 million annually will support coaches, education and technical assistants, including CAF licensing coaches, continuous professional development and the training of grassroot educators.  Rs10 million will be allocated to enhance facilities, establish national league and facilitate international participation in respect of beach soccer and futsal.  Rs10 million will be earmarked for sport science and hyper performance programme to strengthen fitness, medical and performance analysis support unit. Madam Speaker, the MFA will contribute financially through co-investment in projects funded by FIFA Forward, CAF grants and sponsorships. With dedicated allocation earmarked for clubs’ licensing, youth leagues and national team participation, Government will also participate in this initiative. In collaboration with FIFA Forward and related international assistant programmes, priority will also be given to the development of new AstroTurf pitches. These facilities will serve to modernise regional football infrastructure, provide year-round, all-weather training and competition surfaces and support grassroot youth, woman football, futsal and community football activities. According to MFA, USD 50,000 is available for grassroot football development. In primary schools, the MFA has also indicated that FIFA funding is also available for 10 synthetic surfaces. Additionally, the MFA has received 1,000 balls, donated by FIFA for the football of schools’ project. Madam Speaker, on the technical side, my Ministry and the MFA will act as a lead agency for planning and coordinating the project for the revival of football, overseeing grassroot youth, woman football, futsal and beach soccer programmes. It will also be responsible for implementing coach education, referees and technical assistants. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes! You both have the right to speak!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Lors de la conférence de presse du ministre, datant du 2 octobre dernier, un programme de détection pour les U15 à U18 a été évoqué. Or, quand on voit la carrière des grandes vedettes, ils ont commencé bien plus tôt, même à l’école primaire. L’honorable ministre peut-il nous dire ce qui sera fait à ce sujet ? Merci.

I have a meeting with my good friend, the hon. Minister of Education. We are working on a plan and this is coming shortly. We are going to announce it.

Yes!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Puisque le mot de professionnalisation a été évoqué pour la relance du football, quelle serait la fourchette de salaire qui sera proposée aux footballeurs choisis ? Merci.

How can I say it now? Let the plan come first. We will work on it and then we are going to decide on the amount we are going to give to the football.

The plan is not ready?

No.

Okay.

Yes, Mr Quirin!

Merci, Madame la présidente. L’honorable ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre quelles structures de bonne gouvernance seront mises en place pour superviser la mise en œuvre du projet ? Car comme il l’a dit lui-même, plusieurs centaines de millions seront dépensés chaque année.

The project is in an implementation phase over three years. So, when it comes to governance and infrastructure improvements, it will occur in the first 18 months. So, we are giving time and working on it. I am sure that all the technical assistance, training and financial guidance will be provided as we go along, and we are going to see the results soon.

Dernière question, Madame la présidente.

Yes!

Récemment à la presse, l’honorable ministre a parlé de miracle à venir pour le football mauricien, peut-il de ce fait dire à la Chambre, quels sont les principaux indicateurs de performance qui sont très utiles, qui seront utilisés pour mesurer les résultats au fil des années, bien sûr ?

When we are talking of miracles, there is miracle because nous avons la volonté et le gouvernement, l’ensemble du gouvernement, le Premier ministre et le Deputy Prime Minister et tout le monde ensemble pour faire de sorte que nous donnons toute notre attention pour que la relance se fait et avoir des résultats.

Les indicateurs de performance – ma question est sur les indicateurs de performance…

You have to wait!

Il faudra attendre. I have a few more minutes. So, I will ask Mr Babajee, yes! WESTERN REGION – WATER SUPPLY – RESERVOIRS – WATER TANKER TRUCKS – REMEDIAL ACTIONS (No. B/1000) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities whether, in regard to the western region, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Central Water Authority, information as to the – (a) number of – (i) reservoirs located thereat, indicating the respective capacity thereof, and (ii) water tanker trucks available to supply households thereat, and (b) remedial actions being envisaged to ensure regular and sufficient water supply thereat.

Madame la présidente, en ce qui concerne la partie (a) de la question, la CWA m’informe que la partie West du pays qui comprend les régions de Rivière Noire, Tamarin, La Gaulette, Case Noyale, Petite Rivière Noire, Bambous et Cascavelle, est alimentée par un réseau de distribution intégré, lui-même alimenté par treize réservoirs de services. Je dépose à l’assemblée le tableau indiquant la capacité de chaque réservoir. En ce qui concerne la partie (a) (ii) de la question, je suis informé par la CWA qu’actuellement deux camions-citernes, malheureusement que deux camions-citernes, sont déployés dans la région de Rivière Noire pour répondre aux demandes des consommateurs par le biais des systèmes de plaintes. Ces deux camions-citernes quoiqu’insuffisants, je l’admets, fonctionnent selon un calendrier prioritaire garantissant une intervention rapide dans les zones vulnérables, les zones de basse pression et les ménages subissant des interruptions prolongées. Par ailleurs, la CWA a lancé un appel à manifestation d’intérêt pour louer des camions-citernes supplémentaires, je l’ai dit ce matin encore, pour l’ensemble de l’île afin de renforcer sa flotte existante pendant la saison de stresse. Madame la présidente, concernant la partie (b) de la question, je vais aller un peu vite, j’ai été informé que la CWA entreprend actuellement des actions correctives suivantes pour améliorer l’approvisionnement. Tout d’abord une station de traitement d’eau a été installée à Beaux Songes pour traiter 2000 m³ par jour pour la région de Beaux Songes, Cascavelle et parallèlement la CWA réalise actuellement une étude de faisabilité pour l’installation d’une autre station de traitement d’eau d’une capacité de 2000 m³ sur la rivière de Bois Noire. L’objectif est d’accroître la production d’eau destinée au réservoir d’eau Bois Puant améliorant ainsi l’approvisionnement de Coteau Raffin. Deuxièmement, la CWA a l’intention de moderniser la pompe, monter en puissance pour cette pompe, pour qu’elle puisse pomper de l’eau de la rivière Baie du Cap afin d’accroître le volume et la fiabilité de la prise d’eau à la rivière de Baie du Cap. Nous faisons aussi, il faudra dire, Madame la présidente, la CWA continuera par ailleurs d’identifier des emplacements stratégiques pour les forages. Il y a déjà, on a foré déjà à l’arrière de UBP à Bambous et ce forage sera mis en service la semaine prochaine afin d’accroître la mobilisation de ressources. Dernière petite chose, Madame la présidente, je suis heureux d’informer la Chambre que la Central Procurement Board a enfin donné son accord final, l’autorisation finale pour the Rivière des Anguilles Dam. Rivière des Anguilles Dam, l’appel d’offres. Donc, on a reçu l’approbation finale, le lancement d’appel d’offres est prévu pour quelques semaines, donc fin novembre 2025. Le gouvernement MSM va sûrement dire que… et l’attribution du contrat est prévue pour avril 2026, donc l’année prochaine et la construction devrait débuter en août 2026, l’année prochaine cela va commencer et s’achever pour terminer à la veille des élections en août 2029. La construction du barrage contribuera à atténuer la pénurie d’eau dans une grande partie de l’Ouest. Merci, Madame la présidente.

Je vous en prie. So, now Mr Babajee, you are okay?

Yes, thank you.

Mr Beechook ! I think it’s the last question now. ST GÉRAN HOTEL – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT LICENCE – CONDITIONS, REVISION & OUTCOMES (No. B/1001) Mr R. Beechook (Second Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil) asked the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change whether, in regard to the St Géran Hotel, he will state when was the Environmental Impact Assessment licence for works on the beach and in the adjacent marine area issued thereto, indicating – (a) the conditions attached thereto, and (b) whether it subsequently submitted a request for the revision thereof and, if so, indicate the – (i) justifications provided, and (ii) whether same was approved and site inspections/ compliance assessments carried out by his Ministry to ensure adherence to the conditions set out in the EIA licence and the outcomes thereof.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I wish to inform the House that on the 13 October 2023, the One&Only Le Saint Géran for proponent submitted an EIA application for the proposed work at One&Only Le Saint Géran at Poste de Flacq, including – (i) the construction of groynes; (ii) the construction of breakwaters; (iii) the installation of rock revetments using basaltic rocks, and (iv) beach nourishment. Following consultations with relevant stakeholders, the application was examined by the EIA Committee at its meetings held on 07 June 2024 and 05 July 2024. An EIA license was granted to the proponent on 10 July 2024. Madam Speaker, I will be tabling a list of conditions attached to the EIA license granted to the proponent. With regard to part (b) (i) of the question, on 13 May 2025, One&Only Le Saint Géran made an application for a variation to the EIA license for coastal protection works, pertaining to replacement of basaltic rock by sandbag at the core and with basalt rock capping at Rock Revetment 2 near the helipad using the sand available from its premises. The proposed work methodology would allow for rapid execution of the works in order to mitigate the ongoing severe erosion problem. Madam Speaker, as regards part (b) (ii) of the question, following receipt of the request for a variation to the EIA license for coastal protection works with respect to Rock Revetment 2, my Ministry had consultations with relevant authorities, including the following –  Ministry of Housing and Lands;  Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries;  Mauritius Oceanography Institute;  Department for Continental Shelf and Maritime Zones Administration and Exploration, and  The National Coast Guard. No objection was raised to the request made by the proponent for the variation of the EIA license and the application for variation was examined by the EIA Committee at its meeting held on 04 July 2025. On 10 July 2025, a letter of approval to variation for the coastal protection works was issued to the proponent with conditions. I will be tabling a list of conditions attached to the letter of approval. Madam Speaker, as regard compliance and assessment, I wish to inform the House that during implementation of works, site inspections and monitoring were duly effected by my Ministry on three occasions namely, on 06 August, 29 September, and 08 October 2025 and assessments were carried out to determine whether works were undertaken as per their approved methodology and conditions imposed in the EIA license as well as approval granted by my Ministry for variation for coastal protection works. The salient mitigating measures observed on site included – 1. provision for geotextile screens to prevent sediment entrainment were in place; 2. provision of signboard to inform public of the works were in place; 3. working area cordoned-off for public safety, and alternate public access provided, and 4. dedicated personnel appointed to continuously verify the integrity of geotextile screens. Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that on 05 August 2025, protests were received from fishers regarding works around the helipad, following which works had to be halted by the proponent. A consultative meeting with fishers was organised on 12 August 2025 by the proponent and same attended by representatives of different Ministries, including my Ministry. Subsequently, a case was lodged at the Supreme Court by the proponent against those interfering with the works. Further to an interlocutory order from the Supreme Court on 10 September 2025, works resumed on 26 September 2025. Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the works were completed on 07 October 2025. To date, no non-compliance to conditions of the EIA license and of the letter of approval to variation for the coastal protection works has been observed. Regular monitoring is being ensured at the level of my Ministry and the Ministry of Agro-Industry.

Yes, Mr Beechook.

May I please ask the hon. Minister whether there had been inspections carried out with regards to pollution in the lagoon which, ultimately, led to disrupt the activities of the fishermen of the locality who are still protesting that they have not been consulted adequately or simply look into solutions to remedy this?

Madam Speaker, there are regular monitoring which are effected by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, responsible for the Fishing Department, and as well by my Ministry. So, there have been representations. I think compensations were given to the fishermen and they went to Court and ultimately, we are having a permanent monitoring at our level, weekly.

Yes, Ms Manan. AGRICULTURE CURRICULUM – NCE & SHOOL CERTIFICATE LEVEL – MINISTRY’S POLICY (No. B/1002) Ms D. Henriette-Manan (Third Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Education and Human Resource whether, in regard to Agriculture as a subject, he will state – (a) the number of secondary schools currently offering same at School Certificate level; (b) the policy of his Ministry regarding the teaching thereof at National Certificate of Education level, and (c) whether a curriculum therefor has been developed for Grades 7 to 9 and, if not, why not.

Madam Speaker, at the very outset, I wish to thank the hon. Member for this pertinent PQ referring to Agriculture. I wish to inform the House that Agriculture, as a mainstream subject, is currently not available in state colleges, and is only available in private colleges under the PSEA. However, state colleges as well as private colleges, are providing a full-fledged one-year programme entitled ‘Introduction to Smart Agriculture’ within the Foundation Programme in the Literacy, Numeracy and Skills. The students of the foundation programme delve into eco-friendly farming methods such as organic farming, aquaponics and hydroponics, and develop hands-on skills through practical activities. The elective also addresses the pressing issue of climate change, guiding students to understand its impact on agriculture and how climate-resilient strategies can ensure sustainable food production. Allow me to salute the good work being done in these schools. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that 40 grant-aided schools currently offer Agriculture as a mainstream subject. Out of these 40, 28 schools including 8 from Rodrigues, currently, offer agriculture as a mainstream subject up to the School Certificate level. The 12 remaining schools currently offer Agriculture as a mainstream subject up to grade 9. Madam Speaker, as regards part(b) of the question, the annual programme for the National Certificate of Education assessment 2025 does not include Agriculture as a compulsory core, optional core or non-core subject for the said assessment. Private colleges, however, that are authorised by the PSEA to run the subject at Grade 7 to 9, conduct their own internal examination at school level. The PSEA has established requirements for the teaching of Agriculture in grant- aided private schools as follows – 1. The educators for Agriculture should possess a degree in agricultural field; 2. The number of periods allocated weekly for Agriculture for Grade 7 to 9 is either one or two periods; 3. Students of Grade 7 to 9 are provided with free textbooks, and 4. The teaching facilities should be as per specific norms and standards. Madam Speaker, regarding part (c) of the question, I am informed that although the Science curriculum covers related topics such as plants, photosynthesis, food production, food security and the use of fertilizers, there is presently no formal curriculum for Agriculture that has been developed for Grade 7 to 9 by the MIE. Madam Speaker, the curriculum for Agriculture has not yet been developed due to the fact that there is an insufficient number of secondary school educators qualified to teach Agriculture. It is therefore necessary to design and implement a teacher professional development programme, and to equip our state colleges with the adequate facilities prior to the effective introduction of the subject. During my recent visits to Rodrigues and Agaléga, I had fruitful meetings with the stakeholders including students and parents who requested the introduction of Agriculture and Marine Science among others as taught subjects. These requests have been favourably entertained and the blueprint for education which will be made public soon, will spell out the way forward. To conclude, the expression, ‘Let us produce what we consume and consume what we produce’ is not only topical but pertinent as well. Together with my colleague, the hon. Minister of Agro Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, we are going to initiate joint programmes to encourage our children to embrace farming and agriculture; be it as a subject, as a hobby or as a profession later on. Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, I have two minutes left. Hon. Babajee, do you think you can have a go and see if the hon. Minister won’t take too long? I do not want to be unfair to you, again. POST CYCLONE BELAL – FORTHCOMING RAINY SEASONS – FLOOD MITIGATING MEASURES (No. B/1003) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of National Infrastructure whether, in regard to the forthcoming rainy seasons, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the preventive measures being taken regarding – (a) Tamarin River, following one loss of life during flooding in the wake of Cyclone Belal; (b) Petite Rivière Noire where the road is always blocked and the whole village flooded, and (c) Cotteau Raffin drain near the entrance of Le Morne Road.

Madam Speaker, regarding part (a) of the question, I am informed that very often, after heavy rainfall, water from the mountains flows and accumulates on the classified roads along Tamarin River. Unfortunately, it would appear that since the loss of life during flooding in the wake of cyclone Belal, this matter has not been given due consideration or ay remedial measure taken. I must here, thank the hon. Member, to have raised this very pertinent question and to reassure him that the Land Drainage Authority has been requested to look into this issue and consider the construction of a cut-off drain along with other flood mitigating measures. Regarding part (b) of the question, I am informed that the region of Petite Rivière Noire was officially declared a flood prone area by the LDA since June 2022, following repeated floodings which resulted in road blockages and inundation of residential areas. The floodings are mainly attributed to the low-line topography of the village and the confluence of the 4,2 km Petite Rivière Noire River with its tributaries, Rivulet Minguel and Feeder Pavé which drain towards the village. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that as part of the short-term mitigation works, desilting of Feeder Pavé and Rivulet Minguel was completed in February 2023, covering a total stretch of 0.7 km at a cost of Rs980,000. Madam Speaker, with regard to part(c) of the question, I am informed that Cotteau Raffin being a coastal settlement located along B9 Coastal Road with steep mountainous slopes on the landward side and the flat residential terrain on the seaward side is an area highly susceptible to run off driven flooding. A full-fledge drain project is being implemented by the NDU with consultancy support from Lux Consult. The design for the drain project has already been completed and is presently at land acquisition stage. Same is expected to be finalised by March 2026. Once all clearances would be available, the NDU will request for funding to proceed with the bidding exercise and implement the project which is estimated to cost some Rs60 million.

Thank you. Hon. Members, time is up! The Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/1006, B/1007, B/1008, B/1009, B/1010, B/1012, B/1013, B/1014, B/1015, B/1016, B/1018, B/1019, B/1022, B/1024, B/1025, B/1026, B/1028, B/1029, B/1030. I hope there is no mistake because it is quite long.