Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes that there are 13 floodlights at Pavillon Football Ground. These are the combination of LED and Halogen and they are broad-beamed, high intensity artificial light providing functional area lighting. With regard part (a) of the question, the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes has apprised that according to a survey carried out on 19 March 2025, four units of those floodlights were found to be defective and consequently have to be replaced. Quotations are being sought by the council for the purchase of four LED floodlights to replace the defective ones by end of April 2025. In addition, in order to increase the luminosity thereat, the council has decided to fix one additional unit of floodlight on each pole. This project will be undertaken in the next financial year. Madam Speaker, as for the part (b) of the question, I am advised that the fencing of the football ground was fixed more than 20 years ago. The metal poles holding them are in an advanced state of decay and rusting. This is a glaring example of how the former government failed to maintained sport infrastructure. I am further advised by the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes that in the first instance, for the security and safety of joggers and players, one side of the fence of a length of 110 metres has already been removed. Actions are being taken to replace the defective fence of 110 metres out of 460 metres. Bids were launched under the Small Committee Projects through restricted bidding on 07 March 2025. The closing date for submission was on 18 March 2025. Three bids have been received; the Executive Committee held on 03 April 2025 approved the lowest substantially responsive bid. The expected start date of the works is on 30 April 2025 and the expected completion date is 30 July 2025.

38 In view of the fact that the funds are not available in this financial year, the replacement of the remaining 350 metres chain link fencing and including minor levelling works inside the football playground will be carried out in the next financial year. Madam Speaker, I am now answering part (c) of the question. According to the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes, as a result of continuous use of the ground throughout time, the soil has settled and the rocks were spotted at the playground. These rocks have been removed by in-house labour. Let us reassure the House, that my Ministry is closely monitoring the implementation of all remedial works with the assistance of all local authorities. The safety of our citizens is our utmost priority. Unlike the former government, we are committed to improve our sport infrastructure and other amenities.

Yes, Ms Anquetil!

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Madam Speaker, may I ask the Minister what specific measures will be put in place to ensure the regular upkeep and long- term maintenance of the Pavillon Football Ground upon completion of the proposed improvement works? Thank you!

Madam Speaker, the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes will implement a structured maintenance programme upon completion of the improvement works once it’s completed. And, this will include routine inspections, timely repairs, cleaning and upkeep of all the key components such as lightings, fencing and playground. A dedicated team within the Council will oversee all these tasks and provision has been made in the annual budget to ensure the sustainability and safety of the facility in the long term.

A last one, Madam Speaker?

Yes!

Thank you. Madam Speaker. In the event that the Pavillon Football Ground is temporarily closed to facilitate renovation works, will the Minister indicate whether alternative recreational facilities will be made available to the local community during that period? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Council that these renovation works of the Pavillon Football Ground would not necessitate any temporary closure.

Okay. That’s it. Yes, hon. Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, Mr Caserne!

39 SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRES – CHAIRPERSON & MEMBERS