Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Flacq-Mahebourg B28 Road is a classified road that links several coastal villages, such as Vieux Grand Port, Bois des Amourettes, Bambous Virieux, Quatre Soeurs and Deux Frères.

64 I am informed by the Central Water Authority that with a view to providing adequate water supply to the inhabitants of these coastal villages, it has embarked on a project for the renewal of the pipelines along the B28 Road with the objective of addressing the long- standing issues of low water pressure, water leakages and pipes burst due to aging infrastructure. The pipeline renewal project is being undertaken in two phases, namely –  Phase 1: from Anse Jonchée to Bambous Virieux to Petit Sable, covering a distance of 6.4 km, and  Phase 2: from Ferney to Anse Jonchée, covering a distance of 6.7 km. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in line with the provisions of the Road Act, the CWA made application for wayleaves to the RDA for implementing the pipe laying works. Wayleave for Phase 1 was granted on two occasions, namely on 19 June and 18 July 2024 for the stretch from Anse Jonchée to Bambous Virieux to Petit Sables. For Phase 2, wayleave was granted on 26 September 2024 from Ferney to Anse Jonchée. The wayleaves were subject to strict compliance with the RDA Wayleaves Conditions for laying of pipes, ducts and cables. In fact, the CWA and its contractors have to ensure that works are executed with minimum disruption and inconvenience to road users. In addition, any damage caused to the road infrastructure shall be made good at their own cost. These conditions include, inter alia, the following – 1. Temporary reinstatement of all trenches along the classified roads using crusher run and a 30 mm layer of asphalting concrete as per specifications; 2. After completion of the permanent works for the stretch from Ferney to Bambous Virieux, half width of the existing road should be milled and resurfaced, and from Bambous Virieux to Petit Sable, the whole width of the existing road should be milled and resurfaced, and 3. The works should be properly delineated with appropriate fluorescent bands. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, despite these measures, the RDA has raised concerns regarding the poor conditions of the temporary trench reinstatement along the B28 Road. Several inspections have revealed that the reinstatement works were not up to the standard of the RDA wherein the presence of dangerous pits, crusher run having washed away or exposed to

65 traffic were observed, therefore, representing a serious threat to the safety of road users as well as the public at large. Accordingly, the RDA has issued several notices to the CWA; a recent one on 18 March 2025, requesting it to take immediate remedial action. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the forfeiture of the Rs20 m. bank guarantee provided by the CWA for these works. As regards the villages of Quatre-Soeurs and Deux-Frères, no request for wayleave was received by the RDA for pipeline renewal works. I am informed that the existing water pipeline which is an old one is subject to recurrent bursts and leakages resulting in the asphaltic wearing course thereat to be damaged. The RDA has consequently requested the CWA to consider permanent pipe laying works at the earliest. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am further informed by the CWA that all works including road reinstatement for the Phase I project will be completed in this financial year and those for Phase II will be completed in the next financial year. Additionally, a separate contract is currently being prepared by the CWA to appoint a grade A contractor for the permanent road reinstatement from Ferney to Petit Sable. Same is expected to be launched under the Open National Bidding by April 2025.

Hon. Second Member for Flacq and Bon Accueil! SUPPORT PROGRAM TO STUDENTS/ATHLETES – BENEFICIARIES