Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House about the setting up of an incinerator at Crève Coeur, a plot of land measuring 1200 m2 was acquired by the District Council of Pamplemousses from Terre-Agri on 29 September 2022 for a token sum of Rs1. The proposed project involves the construction of a concrete building to accommodate an LPG fire human-incinerator along with a toilet block and other associated amenities. The initial estimated cost of the project is Rs26 million. The District Council of Pamplemousses launched an open national bidding exercise on 19 February 2025 with a closing date of 03 March 2025. A total of five bids were received and opened on 04 March 2025. The evaluation exercise was conducted at the level of the Council. The lowest evaluated substantially responsive bid was submitted by R1 Enterprises Ltd for a total amount of Rs26, 97,812.50 inclusive of VAT. As this amount slightly exceeded the initial project estimate, an additional sum of Rs97,812.50 was requested from my Ministry.

70 Approval for the additional funding was granted and formally conveyed on 26 June 2025. In line with section 40 part (3) of the Public Procurement Act, notification letters were issued to both the successful and unsuccessful bidders on 03 July 2025. As no challenge was received within the prescribed delay period, the contract will be awarded to the lowest evaluator responsive bidder by 18 July 2025. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, following the signing of the contract, the contractor will have 14 days to take possession of the site. Works are expected to begin by the end of August 2025 and will be completed within a period of 12 months, that is, by August 2026. Thank you.

Thank you. Hon. First Member Piton and Rivière du Rempart. SMALL SUGARCANE PLANTERS – LABOUR SHORTAGE – MECHANISED SOLUTIONS& FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE