Thank you, Madam Speaker.

88 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.

89 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.

90

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