Madam Speaker, I am informed that the Land Drainage Authority entrusted this project to the Drain Infrastructure Construction Ltd on 06 January 2025 for implementation. The proposed project was initially designed by NDU’s consultant, Benchmark Consulting Engineers Ltd. A sum of Rs120 million has been earmarked under the previous National Flood Management Programme. Tenders were thereafter launched by the DICL on 21 February 2025 for the construction of flood wall and rock revetment at Morcellement Ramlagun, Vallée des Prêtres. However, the bidding exercise proved unsuccessful as the bids received were not responsive. Madam Speaker, in parallel, based on the recommendation of the project consultant and in order to provide the necessary technical foundation for the project, DICL awarded a contract for a geotechnical investigation of the region. The geotechnical investigation was completed in May 2025 following which it was reviewed by the supervising consultant Luxconsult (Mtius) Ltd. Madam Speaker, based on the advice of the consultant, the DICL is now pursuing the project in a phased manner.

47 The first phase will consist of the construction of the reinforced concrete flood wall along the residential boundary of Morcellement Ramlagun instead of the simultaneous construction of both the flood wall and the rock revetment as originally envisaged. The revised design and cost estimates are expected to be finalised in one month. The DICL will then submit the updated project proposal for financial clearance. Bid is expected to be launched by December 2025. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that that the DCL has also embarked on the procedures for land acquisition required for the project. 19 plots of land are concerned of which 18 belong to private owners and one is State land. Todate, 12 private landowners have already conveyed their agreement and them memoranda of survey are being prepared. Discussions are ongoing with the seven land owners to secure their consent. Madam Speaker, regarding the issue of rock bunds, I wish to inform the House that this proposal has recently been put forward by the Land Drainage Authority in a letter dated 16 September 2025 as a palliative measure pending the construction of the flood walls. This proposal was not part of the original project design and no detailed drawings or designed parameters are yet available. I am informed that properly engineered rock bunds entail significant time and financial implications. As such this proposal is being examined for possible integration in the permanent works to be implemented by the DICL. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that on 01 September 2025, the LDA has recommended to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre to formulate an evacuation plan, prepare safety protocols and consider the relocation of two houses situated within the flood plain in case of force majeure. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that the Municipal City Council of Port Louis awarded a contract on 10 June 2025 for the cleaning and desilting of River Latanier over a stretch of some 8.7 kilometres extending from upper Vallée des Prêtres near Ally Lane to its outlet at Roche Bois. These works which included the region of Morcellement Ramlagun were undertaken between 02 July and 15 September 2025 and have already been completed.

48 Madam Speaker, I wish to reassure the hon. Member and the House that government remains fully committed to addressing the flooding risk at Morcellement Ramlagun. While immediate relief has already been provided for the cleaning and desilting works undertaken by the Municipal Council, the permanent solution is being actively pursued through DICL with the close support of the National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and the Land Drainage Authority.

Are you happy hon. L. Caserne? Yes. We will do a last question, Hon. Dr. Prayag, please. There is one which has been withdrawn. CORAL BLEACHING – IMPACT – DOMESTIC ECONOMY, FISHING & TOURISM SECTORS