Thank you very much. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that a Technical Committee was set up at the level of my Ministry to look into the relocation of pig breeders at Le Bouchon. Now, the Committee noted that - (a) the pig breeding activities at Le Bouchon were carried out by seven pig breeders with 334 heads; (b) the activities were being carried out on private land. Although, as far as I know, I can query whether it is private land. There is a long story over the legitimacy of those who claim that it is private land. (c) as per the Environment Act, pig rearing forms part of the list of undertakings requiring a Preliminary Environmental Report, and (d) pig breeders were also required to have a Building and Land Use Permit from the District Council to carry out their activities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the owner of the said land was unknown, the assistance of the Ministry of Housing and Lands was sought and the ownership of the private land was communicated to my Ministry. A site visit was effected on the 11 March 2026 by representative of the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and the Ministry of Housing and Lands. With regard to the Building and Land Use Permit, and Preliminary Environmental Report, I am informed by the Ministry of Local Government, and Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change that these breeders, unfortunately, do not have the required permit and are operating illegally. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, pig farming produces significant organic waste, often causing environment harm and health risk. Hence, the relocation of pig breeders from Le Bouchon is necessary, taking into consideration the environmental and biosecurity concerns. Furthermore, with a view to addressing the issue of pig breeding activities in a holistic manner, an Inter-ministerial Committee has been set up and the first committee was held on 05 March 2026 under the Chair of our colleague, hon. Shakeel Mohamed. The Committee is, inter alia, looking at – (i) solutions for pig waste treatment; (ii) pig breeding around the island on State and private lands; (iii) way forward with regard to illegal pig breeding activities, and (iv) engagement of all stakeholders from public and private sectors to address the issue of pig breeding. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry launched an expression of interest for collection of pig waste and its transformation into biogas, following which two companies have submitted their proposals. Same is at evaluation stage at my Ministry's level. In addition, a tender was launched on 30 April 2026 for consultancy services for the proposal and design of pig waste treatment facility for conversion of biogas to electricity at the St Martin Pig Farm with closing date of 12 June 2026.

Yes, hon. Member!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Thank you, hon. Minister. Can I ask the hon. Minister, if any land has been spotted nearby Le Bouchon to relocate these pig breeding farmers?

Land was spotted, but unfortunately, because of high water table and wetlands, unfortunately, the site was not appropriate. That is why we are erring on the side of caution. The committee is looking into issues relevant to pig breeding. It is unfortunate also that only 128 pig breeders have registered. And even then, they are operating illegally because none of them have, what we call, Building and Land Use Permit. So, that is why we say the approach has to be holistic. We are looking at all the issues relevant. And, I have also taken the decision that no permit for pig rearing would be given. Thank you.

The hon. Second Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d’Or! GOODLANDS BY-PASS ROUNDABOUT – TRAFFIC CONGESTION