Madam Speaker, I am informed that the region of Poste de Flacq has been subject to recurrent flooding due to the swelling of Poste de Flacq River during torrential rains. As the topography of the land is relatively flat with wide flood plains, severe flooding problems have been encountered in this region since 2008. Despite the implementation of flood mitigating measures in 2013, these have not been successful in alleviating the flooding problems in the region. In view thereof, several projects have been identified for implementation under the National Flood Management Programme by the Land Drainage Auhtority, namely flood mitigating measures at Allée Mangues, Poste de Flacq, Debarcadère, La Source, Bramsthan, Seeraully and Cité Hibiscus. Madam Speaker, the site visit which was carried out on 05 February 2025 pertains particularly to the flood mitigating measures at Allée Mangues, Poste de Flacq. I wish to inform the House that this region has been declared as a high-risk flood prone area by the Land Drainage Authority and the project was initially entrusted to the National Development Unit for implementation.

43 Madam Speaker, I am further informed that in October 2018, NDU appointed a consultant for a feasibility study and the report was submitted in November 2019, that is, more than one year later. A second contract was given to the same Consultant in January 2020 to submit a detailed design proposal. Only a preliminary design report was received in September 2020 and discussions lingered between the NDU and LDA for one and a half year as to determine the best alternative to be adopted, that is, either Alternative 1, comprising the construction of a dike closer to the urbanised areas so as to increase the capacity of the river or Alternative 2, which involves the construction of a floodwall along the bank of Poste de Flacq on the urbanised side. Subsequently, the project was handed over to the Drains Infrastructure Construction Ltd in June 2022. The Project Consultant from DICL submitted a detailed design report in April 2023. Following geotechnical investigations carried out in 2024, a supplementary report to the detailed design report was forwarded to the Land Drainage Authority for approval. On 07 February 2025, the authority conveyed its no objection, subsequent to which, the DICL requested the project consultant to prepare the draft bidding document. I am now informed by the DICL that land acquisition procedures for 29 plots are ongoing and it is expected that bids will be invited for the appointment of a contractor once wayleaves are obtained to be able to start the works. Madam Speaker, I would like to deplore the fact that it took nearly nine whole years to start initiating actions to implement this project, least to say how urgent issues were being dealt with by the previous government. I am reassuring the House that now, my Ministry will ensure that the works will be undertaken at the earliest possible. Madam Speaker, I wish to point out that in terms of short-term measures, the dredging of Poste de Flacq River was carried out by the NDU in November 2023 and by the District Council of Flacq in November 2024, respectively, in view to mitigate the risk of riverine flooding. Furthermore, I am informed that, the District Council is undertaking regular cleaning works and removal of debris and aquatic plants that obstruct waterflow to prevent flooding.

Yes, next question. Hon. First Member for La Caverne and Phoenix!

44 MORCELLEMENTS LES PLAINES DE L’HERMITAGE, HIGHLANDS ROSE & PINEWOOD – MAINTENANCE