Madam Speaker, I am informed that on the 20 March 2025, a tragic workplace accident occurred on the premises of Sagar Hotels and Resorts Ltd more commonly

46 known as Le Méridien Hotel located at Pointe aux Piments. The incident involved the explosion of the diving cylinder which, unfortunately, caused the death of one person. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that on the same day, the National Occupational Safety and Health Department of my Ministry started an investigation on the site to determine the cause of accident. I am informed that the matter is still under investigation. The Ministry is awaiting the testimony of a supervisor of the deceased who was out of town, as well as the report of the Forensic Science Laboratory on the gas cylinder that exploded. Madam Speaker, the police have informed my Ministry that, on the date of the accident, the police conveyed the body to Dr. Jeetoo Hospital mortuary where an autopsy was carried out and the Principal Medical Officer certified the cause of death as ‘shock due to multiple injuries’. According to information gathered by the police, it came out that the deceased was replenishing one cylinder with compressed air by a compressor when the cylinder exploded. The cylinder was secured by the police and sent to FSL on the same day for deeper analysis and investigation. My Ministry has been informed that the FSL completed its investigation on 28 July 2025 – yesterday – and the report has been submitted to the police. My Ministry has requested for a copy of this report as it may provide critical insight into the cause of explosion and also help the Ministry determine any breach as regards to compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Madam Speaker, under section 72 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act – “(3) No gas cylinder for corrosive gases shall be filled unless it has been examined or tested by a competent person at least once every 2 years and no gas cylinder for other gases shall be filled unless it has been examined or tested by a competent person at least once every 5 years (…)” I am informed by the Police Department that the cylinder that exploded was purchased on 07 September 2022 and the Director of the centre, Mr M. B. is qualified and possesses a valid certificate to carry out verifications. He stated that the hydrostatic test is carried out after 5 years as per guidelines of the manufacturer and the provision of OSH Act. Madam Speaker, although the law clearly provides that gas cylinders must be examined at least once every five years, it would appear that in practice, inspection and testing occur only once every five years. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed that the officers of OSH undertake regular visits to places of work, including hotels. On average, visits are carried out at some 20

47 hotels yearly. As at 23 July 2025, 130 hotels are registered under Occupational Safety and Health Act. In respect to part (b)(i) and (b)(ii) of the question, I am further informed that officers of the OSH have carried out visits at 12 hotels since March 2025 and no contravention has been established. I am tabling the list of the 12 hotels that have been inspected.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the hon. Minister inform the House regarding the number of officers posted in the Enforcement Section to cover whole Mauritius and if there has been any lack of OSH officers in the department – fact that you have just announced 20 hotels are visited on a yearly basis despite having 135 hotels registered at the Ministry?

Yes, hon. Minister?

I have been informed, Madam Speaker, that there are currently only 19 officers posted at the Enforcement Division of the OSH at my Ministry and at least, 25 staff are required. We have made request for unfunded positions to be filled.

Thank you. Yes, briefly Dr. Aumeer.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Since we are talking about tragic accidents with regard to diving, diving may also cause serious decompression sickness. Will the hon. Minister consider formal implementation of hyperbaric oxygen treatment by hotels which offer large scale diving? Thank you.

Very good.

I will certainly convey this message and I will have to discuss with the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Health.

Of course, thank you. Yes, the hon. Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! Last question! METRO EXPRESS LTD. – CONTRACTS AWARDED – ENTITIES – CONTRACTUAL VALUE