Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to present a clear explanation of the recent recruitment activities within the local authorities highlighting the serious mismanagement and malpractice performed by the former Chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) and the previous regime. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in response to part (a) of the question between 01 January and 03 October 2024, a total of 1,765 appointments were effected within local authorities. Out of these 1,765 appointments, it is shocking and surprising to note that 599 posts mainly are Refuse Collectors, Handy Workers and General Workers which were created without budgetary provision, resulting in an expenditure of approximately Rs10 million monthly. Furthermore, it is scandalous that out of the 1,765 appointments effected last year, 998 appointments were made during the period between 03 of September and 03 of October 2024, barely a month before the general elections. This figure represents 56.5% of the total appointments and this is viewed as a serious concern. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is also important to highlight that out of these 1,765 appointments made, 1,731 were authorised solely by the former Chairperson of the LGSC, thus entirely bypassing the statutory requirement for collective decision making by the full Commission. This unilateral action is a flagrant breach of the Local Government Service Commission Regulations 1984 and represents a gross abuse of authority. On 10 December 2024, the LGSC sought legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Office to determine whether the appointments made by the former Chairperson were legally in order. The Attorney General’s Office replied that all appointments and/or promotions

50 effected unilaterally by the Chairperson are legally tinted with nullity. Disturbingly, no legal advice was sought until December 2024 despite the irregular practices started as far back as January 2022. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, despite this, the Local Government Service Commission could not act earlier due to the absence of a fully constituted board. It is to be noted that the commission was reconstituted only on 28 March 2025. I am apprised that out of the 1,765 appointments, the Attorney General’s Office recommended that the employment of 1,368 candidates who are employed on a day-to-day basis and 95 candidates who are employed on a month-to-month basis should be terminated. However, the decision to act upon this advice regarding these unlawful appointments’ rests solely with the Local Government Service Commission, that is, the LGSC which is an independent and autonomous body. Additionally, the malpractices of the former Chairperson have been formally reported to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). The FCC is now assessing the broader implications and institutional breaches of this mass recruitment exercise. We are awaiting the report of the FCC which will guide further administrative and legal actions. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to be honest, it is the ordinary citizens who are paying the price for the irresponsibility of the previous regime. Resources meant for essential services, such as waste collections, street lighting and committee services, were diverted to fund politically motivated and unlawful appointments. This Government will not tolerate such abuses. We are committed to restoring integrity and accountability in all recruitment processes. Thank you.

B/494! Hon. Dr. Ms Thannoo is not in the House. So, I take it that there will be a written answer for this question as the question has not been withdrawn. Now, I call B/495! Hon. Second Member for Savanne and Black River! BOIS D’OISEAUX & AVENUE BOULODROM, BLACK RIVER – DRAIN PROJECTS