Madam Speaker, as regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that an average of 13 persons daily undergo practical driving tests at the Driving Test Centre in Port Mathurin, and around 40 persons sit for oral tests which are held only on Saturdays. With regard to part (b) of the question, the number of driving licences issued in Rodrigues over the past five years are as follows – (i) 1,011 in 2021; (ii) 676 in 2022; (iii) 1,008 in 2023; (iv) 1,188 in 2024; (v) 1,230 in 2025; and (vi) 688 as at May of this year. In regard to part (c) of the question, I am informed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly that land has already been earmarked at Jean Tac, near the SMF compound for the setting up of a new Driving Test Centre. Consultations as well as site visits were held by the Commission for Public Infrastructure with the Traffic Management Road Safety Unit, the Road Development Authority, the Police and other stakeholders for the design and implementation of the project. The detailed design and cost estimates of the project are being worked out at the level of the Commission for Public Infrastructure of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.

Thank you. Yes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to the Driving Centre at Port Mathurin for oral test, whether he is aware that the room is inappropriate, where questions are being put on whiteboards, in Creole only, non- computerised? Will he agree with me to request the Commissioner of Police to see to it for necessary upgrade thereat, and also to provide the choice of languages in both English and French as well to applicants for oral test thereat?

I can pass on that to the Commissioner of Police.

I am sure. Yes, hon. Third Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d'Or! BUDGET SPEECH 2026-2027 – STAKEHOLDERS – CONSULTATIONS