La Source Football playground, he will state – (a) if he has been made aware of – (i) the non-compliance the…
(No. B/145) Ms S. Anquetil (Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to La Source Football playground, he will state – (a) if he has been made aware of – (i) the non-compliance thereof to be classified as a football field, and (ii) the construction of a concrete barrier at the playground, and (b) the measures being envisaged for the safety of the players thereat.
Thank you. Madam Speaker, I have been informed by the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes (MCQB) that the La Source Football Playground was originally equipped with sports facilities, including a football playground, a gradin and cloakrooms. According to the Municipal Council, FIFA recommends that a standard football field should be 105 meters long and 68 meters wide. However, in December 2022, the National
40 Development Unit (NDU), under the previous government, began upgrading works on the playground. These works mainly involved improving the football pitch and creating a jogging track. As part of this project, the NDU and its contractor installed concrete kerbs around the playing area, reducing the field length to only 61 meters. As a result, the football ground is no longer in compliance with FIFA standards. Another major concern is the safety of the players. In February 2023, the Municipal Council received a petition from football players, coaches and ‘Ecole de Foot’ highlighting the risk posed by the concrete kerbs. The Council then informed the NDU about this safety issue. Despite these requests, the NDU continued with the installation of the concrete kerbs, placing them only 2.8 metres behind the goal post and all around the field and the jogging track. Madam Speaker, on 08 August 2024, a meeting was held under the chairpersonship of the Mayor of Quatre Bornes with representatives from the NDU. During this meeting, the Council once again requested the removal of the kerbs and the installation of a proper water drainage system around the football field. However, no action has been taken so far. This situation clearly demonstrates how the previous government has failed in the planning and executing projects. Their poor designs have not only resulted in football fields that do not meet regulations, but also put our players at risk. To address these issues, my Ministry sent two official letters to the NDU on 30 December 2024 and on 16 January 2025, requesting urgent remedial works. My Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Ministry of National Infrastructure. Madam Speaker, I have also been informed that the cloakroom and the toilets at La Source Football Playground were not upgraded by the NDU and are currently unusable due to the needs of major repairs. To resolve this, the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes has put forward proposals to carry out the necessary works using its in-house labour. Additionally, at its Public Infrastructure Committee meeting on 14 February 2025, the Council decided to remove all concrete kerbs and restore the playground exclusively for football.
41 Furthermore, the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes requested the NDU to officially hand over the project site to allow works to begin as soon as possible. The handover of La Source Football Ground was completed on Friday 14 March 2025. Also, I wish to inform the hon. Member that these works started today itself and are expected to be completed by the end of this month. The cost of Rs500,000 for the repairs will be covered under the Small Community Projects Fund. Thank you.
Thank you. Yes, one supplementary!
Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Dans sa réponse, le ministre évoque une allocation de R 500 000 afin de corriger ce projet bidon, bancal et dangereux de l’ancien régime. Au nom des habitants de La Source, je le remercie. Le ministre, peut-il confirmer à la Chambre si la compagnie KJMC Contractor Ltd qui entretient des relations, des liens très, très étroits avec l’ancienne PPS Diolle, est bien responsable de la construction de cette structure en béton sur ce terrain de foot au coût de plus d’un million ? Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. An hon. Member: Diolle !
Hon. Minister!
Madam Speaker,…
You just have to confirm or not confirm!
The contract of the project was allocated by the NDU. So, I will advise the hon. Member if she could direct this question to NDU for a comprehensive response as the contract was allocated by the NDU.
Okay! Hon. Members,…
(Interruptions)
Hon. Chief Whip, I am trying to talk! Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that PQ B/192 will be replied by the hon. Minister of National Infrastructure. PQs B/148 and B/189 have been withdrawn. Next question, and then we will end. Hon. First Member for Savanne and Black River!
42 FLIC-EN-FLAC COASTAL ROAD-TAMARINA ROAD – ACCESIBILITY