Madam Speaker, I am informed by the National Transport Corporation that 69 buses of various makes and models are parked at Rivière du Rempart depot out of which 66 buses are operational. The three remaining buses are to be scrapped as two of them registered in 2004 have reached their 21 years road life while one registered in 2007 is beyond economic repair. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that the buses from Rivière du Rempart depot operate along 13 routes covering a daily average of 13,100 km. Safety and security of passengers remain a priority of the NTC and an average of 20 buses are grounded daily for repairs and servicing at the same depot.

52 I wish to also apprise the House that only buses that are roadworthy and have valid certificates of fitness are allowed by the NTC to operate. For the sake of time, Madam Speaker, I am tabling the information relating to the roadworthiness and certificate of fitness of the buses. Madam Speaker, I have to inform the House that operational and HR issues at Rivière du Rempart have been brought to my attention several times – by my colleague as well. I have requested the NTC to probe into the matter at the earliest. Now that we have a new general manager, one week into, Dr. Harvin Soonarane who knows the domain well as he is a mechanical engineer.

Thank you, hon. Minister! Is that all right? Yes, hon. Fourth Member for Port-Louis North and Montagne Longue! PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS – BOARDS – COMPOSITION