abandoned and unattended vessels at the Port, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauriti…
(No. B/202) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to abandoned and unattended vessels at the Port, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauritius Ports Authority, information as to the – (a) number thereof, indicating the number which have remained thereat for over one year, and (b) impact and financial costs thereof to the Authority, indicating the immediate measures being envisaged in relation thereto.
Madam Speaker, as regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Acting Director-General of the Mauritius Ports Authority that as at date, there are 27 idle fishing vessels lying in the Port for more than one year. With regard to part (b) of the question, idle vessels do not have certificate of seaworthiness and insurance cover and accordingly pose serious environmental risk, navigational and fire hazards as well as security threats. To discourage the long stay of fishing vessels, on 16 January of this year, the Mauritius Ports Authority has, under section 32(5) of the Ports Act, directed the owners, the agents or representatives of the 19 fishing vessels, to take reasonable steps to remove the vessels and to settle all accrued port charges within 15 days. Seven fishing vessels are subject to an inquiry
40 by the Financial Crimes Commission for asset recovery. The remaining one fishing vessel is a matter of foreign arbitration proceedings. The advice of the Attorney General’s Office is being solicited by the Mauritius Ports Authority to proceed with the disposal of these idle vessels in accordance with the provisions of the Ports Act. I am informed by the Acting Director-General of the Mauritius Ports Authority that an amount of Rs4 million, representing parking fees due by the owners of the 27 idle vessels, is still outstanding. In addition, an amount of Rs227,295 has been incurred by the Mauritius Ports Authority in terms of publication of notices. In case the vessels cannot be sold, an amount of Rs5 million per vessel will have to be borne by the Mauritius Ports Authority for their disposal by demolition facilities. Madam Speaker, the Mauritius Ports Authority is working closely with the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries to ensure that the measures are put in place to deter the presence of idle fishing vessels in the Port.
Thank you. We have two minutes left! Hon. Fourth Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue, two minutes! PUBLIC BEACHES – INCIDENTS – LAW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES