Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit of my Ministry that the Rivière des Anguilles Traffic Centre Project that seeks to facilitate the commuting of inhabitants to the Market Fair, the Rivière des Anguilles SSS, found nearby and existing residential Morcellement development and future proposed developments such as Smart City, a shopping mall in the vicinity of the new station. With regards to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the traffic centre covers an area of 6453 square metres constructed over a plot of land of 8900 square metres and comprising the following – 1. Construction of five concrete boarding platforms; 2. Construction of one concrete alighting platform; 3. Installation of five smart bus shelters; 4. Construction of concrete footpath; 5. Construction of nine bus parking areas; 6. Construction of drains and absorption pit;

64 7. Asphalt work; 8. Provision of street lighting; 9. Provision of traffic signs and road markings, and 10. Construction of a green space and landscaping. Madam Speaker, the works began on 26 September 2024, that is before the General Elections and have been completed recently on 15 March for an amount of Rs24,593,622 inclusive of VAT. Madam Speaker with regard part (b) of the question, I am informed that the bus station is expected to start operation in and around mid of May 2025 – next month. Madam Speaker, as regards part (c) of the question, I am informed by the NLTA that buses of Route No. 10, that is, Mahebourg to Rivière des Galets; Route No. 61A - Curepipe to Benares, and Route No. 6 - Curepipe to Rivière des Anguilles, will operate through the Rivière des Anguilles Traffic Centre. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister.

Sorry, there is one missing part here! As regards part (d) of the question, I am informed by TMRSU that for such type of projects, no feasibility study is conducted – I was quite surprised as well – save for geotechnical investigation, which actually should form part of the feasibility study. However, consultations and several site visits with Village Councillors and the NLTA were effected to find the best suitable land for the project. Prior to start of the works, however, soil investigation was carried out to ascertain the suitability of the site. Madam Speaker, a traffic centre has been constructed next to the market fair close to the Rivière des Anguilles SSS, like I said earlier, and the existing residential morcellement development. Moreover, the traffic centre will also facilitate commuting to the future developments, such as the Smart City and shopping malls already planned in and around the vicinity thereof.

That is it? No more?

Yes, that is it! Thank you.

Yes, hon. Jhummun!

65

Madam Speaker, since no feasibility analysis/assessment has been made prior to the project, I am afraid to say that this project is likely to have the same fate as the Camp Diable Traffic Centre where it is almost underutilised. Can the hon. Minister take this matter with all those concerned to try and see how to reengineer and divert some routes so that this traffic centre is used to its maximum capacity.

Yes. As matters stand, we will only know whether the project is feasible and not be a ghost town only when operations start. But if it warrants those other routes be channelled over there so that it becomes buoyant with activities, we will do it. However, the proposed developments that were announced, the Smart City and the shopping centre, if they are implemented, I think this will enhance the value of this huge investment.

Yes, hon. Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! GOVERNMENT MOBILE APPS