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.

93 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 The Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/1006, B/1007, B/1008, B/1009, B/1010, B/1012, B/1013, B/1014, B/1015, B/1016, B/1018, B/1019, B/1022, B/1024, B/1025, B/1026, B/1028, B/1029, B/1030.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.