Madam Speaker, with your permission, I will reply to this question as it concerns my Ministry. As regards part (a) of the question, I am informed that the St Martin Dam Leisure Park Project at Quartier Militaire was approved during the Financial Year 2017-2018. The proposed development which spread over a 12 acres plot of land is indeed a good initiative for the region. However, this implementation has been marked by poor planning, doubtful procurement practices and a fragmented execution strategy under the previous administrations. Instead of adopting a streamline and transparent design and build model which would have allowed for better coordination, faster delivery and improved cost control, the former administration chose to split the project into multiple components. These were allocated to various contractors through a patchwork of procurement methods, including request for sealed quotations, restricted bidding, direct procurement and open advertised bidding. This

43 fragmented approach made project management more difficult and raised serious concerns about favouritism and lack of transparency. The scope of works as submitted by the District Council of Moka includes the following components – • A 2,000 square feet reception building with toilet block, cloakroom and cafeteria; • A 17,000 square feet multipurpose hall with reception area, dining space, kitchen facilities and separate hall for conferences and other events; • Three natural ponds surrounded by concrete walkways; • One acre esplanade with children’s corner and graded seating area; • A 750-metre health track; • An outdoor gym; • An endemic garden with walkways; • Three bridges; • A road network, and • Two parking spaces with capacity for approximately 250 vehicles. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question on cost overrun and delays, the project was initially estimated at Rs45 million. However, the cost has now escalated to Rs77.5 million. Additionally, the District Council of Moka has indicated a need for a further Rs8.5 million to complete the road surfacing within the park. This considerable cost overrun, the lengthy delay, and despite the project started 8 years ago are largely due to the repeated modifications and the inclusion of new components by the previous administration. These additions were not part of the original approved scope of work and had led to unnecessary expenditure and delay the completion of the project. Such practices are evidence of inadequate planning and poor project oversight by the previous government, resulting in the misuse of public funds and significant delays in providing essential community infrastructure. To address this situation, I have instructed the District Council of Moka to ensure that the project is fully completed not later than 15 August 2025. In regard to part (c) of the question, concerning the appointment of a Quantity Surveyor, I wish to inform the House that the District Council of Moka did not appoint one for this project. Instead, the Public Infrastructure Department of the Council has been responsible for both the design and supervision of works.

44 Madam Speaker, I wish to reassure the hon. Third Member of Quartier Militaire and Moka that the St Martin Dam Leisure Park will be completed by the revised deadline, that is, on 15 August 2025. My ministry is closely monitoring the final phase of implementation to ensure that the project is delivered without any further delays. Thank you.

Hon. Members, I should have informed you that PQ B/525 will also be replied by the hon. Minister of Local Government later. Now, we will carry on with hon. First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! LE MORNE BRABANT MOUNTAIN/HERITAGE SITES – VANDALISM ACTS – PREVENTIVE MEASURES