Madam Speaker, I am informed that as per records available at my Ministry, following the flooding which occurred in the region of Saint-Jean Cemetery whereby, amongst others, several tombs were damaged, a meeting was held on 13 November 2023 under the chair of Mgr Durhône at l’Evêché de Port Louis in the presence of the then Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, the then Mayor of the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes, the representatives of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Development Unit and the Land Drainage Authority, during which several decisions were agreed to and including a committee chaired by the then Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, comprising all concerned stakeholders would meet initially on a weekly basis at the seat of the l’Evêché to monitor the progress of the works. During subsequent weekly meetings chaired by the then Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, the Parish of Saint-Jean requested for an assessment of damages caused to the tombs and the rehabilitation and repairs of the tombs in

38 the cemetery to be undertaken. Unfortunately, nothing was done and was left unattended by the previous government despite several appeal made by the Parish of Saint-Jean. Furthermore, in his reply to a PNQ on 14 November 2023, the then Minister of National Infrastructure and Community Development informed that the cleaning of the tombs and cemetery would be undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change and Mauri-Facilities Ltd. but still nothing was done. Madam Speaker, in view of the high emotional and cultural significance relating to the loss of loved ones and considering the humanitarian dimension of the problem, I chaired a meeting at my Ministry on 16 October 2025 with Dr. hon. Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, hon. Veda Baloomoody, the Deputy Speaker, hon. Ms Anquetil, the Government Chief Whip, the Parish of Saint-Jean, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes and the National Development Unit to see the way forward to address the issues with regard to the tombs, which were damaged during the floods. Madam Speaker, during our discussions at the meeting, the representatives from the Parish of Saint-Jean informed that a total of 512 tombs were damaged, of which, 71 were critically impacted, 141 tombs partially damaged and 300 tombs with minor damages or with missing ornaments. The Parish further informed that last year a Rehabilitation and Repair Plan was prepared, following a survey carried out by its Quantity Surveyor, Architects and Engineers for the repair of the 512 tombs and the reinforcement of three walls around the perimeter of Saint Jean Church. The plan with detailed cost was submitted to the previous government but, again, unfortunately, no positive response was given to the Parish despite successive reminders. Madam Speaker, we are not heartless as the previous government. I am pleased to announce that this Government has approved the funding for the repairs of the damaged tombs as well as the reinforcement of the three walls around the perimeter of the church. Madam Speaker, the works will be undertaken by the Parish of Saint Jean, being given that each tomb has its own specificity. The Parish has also confirmed the duration of the works to be six to eight months.

39 Madam Speaker, I am again meeting the representative of the Parish of Saint Jean this Thursday 30 October 2025 at 11.30 hours together with my three colleagues of the Constituency No. 18 to pursue our dialogue. Madam Speaker, I am also glad that before the All-Saints’ Day 2025, the Government has agreed to do needful to enable the rehabilitation and repairs of the tombs.

Madame la présidente, je suis profondément émue par la réponse du ministre. À quatre jours de la Toussaint, ce gouvernement rétablit dignité et respect au défunts touchés par les inondations de 2023-2024. Le ministre pourrait-il indiqué à la Chambre si son ministère envisage d’accélérer les procédures afin que ces trois cent familles puissent dans les meilleurs délais se recueillir dignement sur les tombes de leurs proches ? Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente.

M. le ministre!

Madam Speaker, as I have said, this Government is a government which has a heart. Government has approved only Friday last to do good, to go for the funding of the repairs and rehabilitation of the tombs. Now, together with the MPs of the Constituency, we are going to make sure that the necessary funds be made available to the Parish and it is up to the Parish to do the work.

Au plus vite ! C’est dans quelques jours ! Next question, Second Member for Savanne and Black River! CHEMIN GRENIER – MAIN ROAD REPAIRS – CONTRACTOR – FAST- TRACKING