Madam Speaker, I am informed by the District Council of Savanne that the project titled ‘Construction of New Market fair at Chemin Grenier’ was initiated in October 2021 with a contract value of Rs125 million, inclusive of VAT. The project, which includes a double-storey office building, mechanical and electrical works, external site and drainage works, is currently 98% complete. The only remaining work concerns the asphalting along the storm water drain at the periphery of the site. These works are scheduled to be finalised by September 2025. Upon completion, the Council’s consultant will prepare the final accounts.

50 As regards the proposal of installing solar Photovoltaic (PV) panel at the new market fair, I am informed that this initiative was put forward by the hon. Member in February 2022 during his tenure as District Councillor. The proposal was referred to the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Consultant for a feasibility study. The consultant confirmed that it was technically feasible to install a 5KW system comprising 17 PV panels on the roof at an estimated cost of Rs525,000. This was supported by a preliminary quote of Rs300,000, exclusive of VAT from KYA Engineers Ltd., subject to further technical input from metrological service. The Council, during its sitting of 27 July 2022, agreed that the PV panel installation would be considered for implementation upon project completion and subject to availability of savings or contingency funds. Madam Speaker, my Ministry has since consulted the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities regarding possible support scheme for the installation of PV system. Based on advice received, the District Council of Savanne has been recommended to apply under these two key schemes managed by the Central Electricity Board (CEB). Public Sector Entities (PSE) Scheme, that is, own investment, this scheme allows Public Sector entities to invest in PV system up to 2 MW with CEB purchasing the generated electricity at Rs4.20 per KW. The energy bill of the entity is credited accordingly. The capacity is capped at 150% of the entity’s annual energy consumption. Secondly, CEB Public Building Solar Project, that is, free installation. Under this Scheme, Madam Speaker, CEB installed a free PV system up to 50 KW funded 27% by the Green Climate Fund and 73% by the Minister of Finance refundable over 20 years. The installation cost is recovered via direction from PSE monthly electricity bill. The tender for this Scheme has already been floated with a closing date set for 20 August 2025. I am further informed that the District Council of Savanne has already submitted four applications under the CEB Public Building Solar Project for PV installation at the Council Head Office and three village halls. The Council may now consider applying under either of these two schemes for the Chemin Grenier market fair once the construction is completed and the defect liability period expires around September 2025.

51 Madam Speaker, the inclusion of solar photovoltaic system aligns with national sustainability goals and would contribute to reducing the electricity cost for the Council. The implementation, however, will depend on the availability of funds or successful applications under the aforementioned schemes. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister! I suspend the Sitting for one and a half hours. At 1.02 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.31 p.m. with Madam Speaker in the Chair.

Please be seated. Parliamentary Questions! The hon. First Member for Piton & Rivière du Rempart, Dr. Prayag! NATIONAL TRANSPORT CORPORATION – BUS DEPOT – PARKED BUSES – ROADWORTHINESS