Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officer of Airport Terminal Operations Ltd that the car park at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport has a total of 1,562 parking slots located as follows – (i) the Old Terminal - 670 slots, and (ii) the New Terminal - 892 slots. 1,207 of these parking slots are dedicated to the public whilst the remaining 355 are used by airport stakeholders. Following complaints received from members of the public with respect to the lack of parking spaces at the New Terminal, two surveys were conducted by the Airport Terminal Operations Ltd on 05 and 10 March 2025, respectively. These surveys had revealed that 35% of the parking slots were occupied by car rental vehicles, thus, reducing the availability of parking facilities for the public. The situation becomes particularly chaotic during peak seasons due to insufficient parking spaces. To address this issue, a dedicated parking zone of 144 slots for car rental operators, is now operational at the Old Terminal car park since May of this year. Consequently, this decision has significantly helped to eliminate the persisting problem of parking available for the general public near the New Terminal Building. Since these changes have been made, no complaints have been received. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officer that there are now already adequate parking spaces, roads and exit gates at the airport. It is, therefore, not envisaged to provide additional facilities at this point. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed that the 670 parking slots at the Old Terminal have always been operational. As stated, 144 slots are dedicated for car rental operators and the remaining 526 are meant for the general public. Adequate directional signage is available to guide car park users, through and out the Old Terminal parking. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that following an Open National/International Bidding exercise, a contract was awarded on 12 August 2024 to VDTEC Distributors Ltd for the sum of 1,421,493.00 dollars excluding VAT, which would make around Rs66,810,171 at

19 the time, for the implementation of a Smart Car Park Management Solution project in two phases. This project is expected to smoothen the traffic flow and improve parking experience at the airport. Phase 1 of the project which is presently being implemented, is expected to be operational in December of this year. I also wish to inform the House that the Board of Airport Terminal Operations Ltd did not deem it important to appoint a Consultant to ascertain that the works undertaken is in compliance with the terms of the contract. Secondly, another disturbing fact is that one of the members of the Bid Evaluation Committee is the very person who is now certifying the quality of the works prior to the payment. That is the MSM! This matter has been referred to the Financial Crimes Commission.

Yes?

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Just a suggestion – perhaps to consider putting automatic paying tickets for parking to reduce the traffic at the airport. I got a supplementary question. Is the hon. Prime Minister aware that daily fighting and discussions among taxi operators at the SSR Airport have been reported several times at the Police Station of the SSR Airport? No action has been taken. Will an investigation be initiated to ensure the safety of our citizens at the airport?

I am not aware that there have been no investigations but I will certainly transmit this to the Airport’s authority.

Thank you. Yes, hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! BUDGET 2025-2026 – MOTOR VEHICLES – EXCISE DUTY – NEW RATES