the synthetic football pitches, also known as “futsal”, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain inform…
(No. B/678) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the synthetic football pitches, also known as “futsal”, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number thereof constructed and operational island-wide, indicating – (a) the number thereof falling under the purview of his Ministry and/or under that of other public entities, further indicating the construction and maintenance costs of the ones constructed since 2015 to 2024; (b) the reported number of cases of severe physical injuries sustained by players using same, and (c) if consideration will be given for the replacement of synthetic football pitches by natural football pitches for safety reasons.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that there is a significant difference between pitches used to play futsal and other variations of football. Futsal is usually played indoors on a hard court, typically wooden or synthetic. On the other hand, synthetic pitches designed to mimic natural grass, offering an environment friendly space for running and tackling, are utilised to play other variations of football such as normal or small-sided games.
54 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is not a licensing nor a regulatory authority for such infrastructures. Therefore, the Ministry does not keep data on the number of synthetic football pitches or futsal which have been constructed and that are operational around the island. Nevertheless, the Ministry has sought information from Local Authorities as construction permits are issued by them. Information is being compiled and will be tabled later. As regards part (a) of the question, I am informed that the St François Xavier Stadium in Port Louis which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Youth and Sports is equipped with synthetic grass and managed by the Mauritius Sports Council. I am further informed that the Mauritius Sports Council operates and maintains ten multiuse games area, commonly known as MUGA which was constructed by the Mauritius Telecom Foundation. These facilities include small synthetic football pitches. The costs of the construction and maintenance of the facilities are also being compiled. Maintaining a synthetic football pitch involves regular cleaning, infill maintenance and periodic deep cleaning to ensure optimal playing conditions and longevity. This includes removing debris and weeds if any, brushing the turf, checking and replenishing infill levels and addressing any wear and tear. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to synthetic football pitches falling under the purview of public entities, as already indicated, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has sought the necessary information from Local Authorities. Regarding part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Mauritius Sports Council that there are no reported cases of physical injuries sustained by users of the ten MUGAs or at St François Xavier Stadium. With regard to part (c) of the question, I wish to inform the House that the Ministry of Youth and Sports does not intend to replace its existing synthetic pitch at St François Xavier Stadium with a natural one.
Just for the record, hon. Minister, you are the Ag. Minister of Sports?
Yes.
Yes, you replied to the question. No supplementary. The hon. Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue!
55 PORT LOUIS MUNICIPAL COUNCIL – GREEN SPACES, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS & PUBLIC GARDENS – ENHANCEMENT & SPONSORSHIP