Madam Speaker, I am informed by the NLTA that the daily operations of buses supplying routes 21, 227 and 82 which operate from Belmont to Port Louis are monitored by ten regulators posted at Belmont Traffic Centre, Trois Bras Checkpoint and Port Louis, the new transportation centre. I am made to understand that the main problems along these routes relate to the aging fleet, entailing frequent breakdowns and missed trips. According to figures provided by the NLTA, at least ten buses are reported non-operational each day due to mechanical failures, especially among vehicles over 17-years old and a persistent shortage of crew, including drivers and conductors. I wish to inform the House that the Bus Modernisation Scheme was revamped to cater for the purchase of high-floor buses and bus operators are accordingly making necessary

85 arrangements for the renewal of their fleet. That means they made applications for support from Government. As regards shortage of crew, my Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations to facilitate the recruitment of foreign labour. Madam Speaker, despite the constraints of acute shortage of staff, including at the level of the NLTA Inspectorate, the latter has continued to undertake monitoring and enforcement. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am apprised that 23 surprise checks have been conducted along routes 21, 227 and 82 whereby 29 contraventions have been established. I am tabling the dates on which surprise checks have been conducted. It is to be pointed out that these checks have been further reinforced since mid-June this year with the enlistment of 13 Management Support Officers who are providing assistance to the NLTA Inspectorate, pending the recruitment of Road Transport Inspectors. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Mr François! MAURITIUS INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION – AWARD COURSES – JULY/AUGUST 2025 INTAKE – RODRIGUAN STUDENTS