Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Road Development Authority that the Forbach B42 Road connects the village of Cottage to Poudre d'Or Hamlet over a length of 3 kms. The road width varies between 6 and 7 meters and is in general good condition. Footpath has been provided along inhabited stretches wherever space and road reserves are available, namely over an approximate length of 1 km along the road. In addition, a Works Order has been issued by the RDA to construct an additional 100m of footpath and drain from the Shell Filling Station towards Poudre d'Or Hamlet. Excavation works have started and the works are expected to be completed by the end of August 2025. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the RDA will carry out a cadastral survey to identify available spaces for future construction of footpath. However, given the narrowness of the road and space constraints due to existing buildup areas, it is not advised to acquire land compulsorily from numerous private owners to widen the road. Footpath and handrails will, accordingly, be implemented wherever possible. I am also informed by the RDA that a joint site visit has been proposed with the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit to consider implementation of immediate road safety measures, pending the implementation of footpath and drains. Such measures will include provision of road markings, traffic signs and cat’s-eyes. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regard part (b) of the question, I am informed that the branch road connecting Cottage near traffic lights to Goodlands at the level of Super U, commonly known as Beau Plateau Road, is not classified, and hence, falls under the purview of the District Council of Rivère du Rempart. I am informed by the latter that it does not have the required funding for the said project and has transmitted the request for enlargement and tarring of Beau Plateau Road to the National Development Unit of my Ministry for consideration. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the House may note that this Government is also coming up with the construction of the Motorway M4 which will start from Forbach on the Motorway M2. It will join the Beau Plateau Road B43 at Mapou near Vergers de Labourdonnais and will pass through the villages of Poudre d'Or Hamlet and Espérance Trébuchet intersecting with the Forbach Road B42 through a roundabout. This motorway will provide a safe and alternative route for road users. Thus, lessening the traffic along the Forbach B42 and Beau Plateau B43 roads and improving their overall safety within the villages of Cottage and Poudre d'Or Hamlet.

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Hon. First Member for La Caverne and Phoenix! OPSG – MALPRACTISE INVESTIGATIONS (2020-2025)