the Résidence Père Laval Municipal Complex, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Municipal…
(No. B/382) Ms S. Anquetil (Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the Résidence Père Laval Municipal Complex, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes, information as to whether the complex is currently operational and, if so, indicate the – (a) different leisure activities being provided thereat, and (b) opening and closing hours thereof and, if not, why not.
Madam Speaker, it is with much regret that I have to admit that the Résidence Père Laval Municipal Complex is hardly operational during weekdays and weekends. It should have been open during weekdays from 8.00hrs to 18.00hrs and on weekends from 14.00hrs up to 19.00hrs, respectively. Following the parliamentary question set by the hon. Member during the request for information stage, the Chief Executive of the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes informed that the complex was operational during weekdays and weekends, and it had all the amenities that facilitated the organisation of leisure activities for the citizens of the surrounding localities. However, during a site visit effected by the hon. Member, and subsequently, by officers of my Ministry, it was noted that the Municipal Complex and the indoor games were in a rundown is state. The following has been observed – (i) Ground floor – hanging wires at several places, only one toilet operational and other toilets inaccessible because of having no handles. Painting peelings off of certain parts of the wall and play equipment not functional and are stacked in a corner.
69 (ii) First floor – leaking roof, toilets blocks need repairs, fans not functioning, and painting peeling off. The general impression is that the building is not being used by the public. My Ministry has instructed the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes to refurbish the complex accordingly and to replace all the indoors games. The attention of the Chief Executive is being drawn to the fact that answers to Parliamentary Questions should reflect the reality, and the sanctions that public officers are liable to, in case the august Assembly is misled by erroneous or false reply. I have also requested that disciplinary actions be initiated against officers of the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes who have failed in their duties of care by not performing their duty for which they are being paid. Having said the above, the multipurpose complex comprises a social centre at the ground floor and hall on the first floor. Upon request the hall can be rented for the organisation of wedding, reception, birthday celebration among others subject to the payment of an appropriate fees. I am also of the view that the hall should be made available on Sundays and public holidays subject to the payment of an appropriate fee to enable the inhabitant to organise their activities. I will request my Ministry to instruct the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes to see to it that the Municipal Hall is available accordingly one it is refurbished. The refurbishment is expected to be completed in some two months’ time. My Ministry will monitor that the delay of the completion of refurbishing works is respected. Madam Speaker, it is sad to say that the government and the service to the citizens are the same at the level of some local authorities in the last few years have left much to be desired due to the laissez-aller of some officers. The basic rights for leisure of the people, that is, the citizen have not been respected and they have not been provided with quality service due to some partisan councillors. Madam Speaker, it is my firm intention to redress this situation.
Yes, Ms Anquetil.
Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Madame la présidente, je souhaite…
Ne criez pas!
Je ne crie pas.
Non, non c’est un peu fort.
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Madame la présidente, je souhaite exprimer ma reconnaissance au ministre pour les mesures rapides qu’il a prises en réponse à la situation déplorable au complexe municipal de Résidence Père Laval. Le Ministre peut-il informer la Chambre si une révision de la programmation des activités est envisagée en vue de redonner vie à ce complexe et répondre aux aspirations clairement exprimées par les habitants de Résidence Père Laval. Merci.
Le Ministre a déjà répondu. Il y a les élections municipales avec, j’espère, de nouveaux élus qui vont, aussi j’espère, faire leur travail. Je ne pense pas que le ministre peut répondre plus. Je passe à la nouvelle question. Alors, M. Quirin ! PRIMARY SCHOOLS – KREOL MORISIEN EDUCATORS – WORKING CONDITIONS