Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the District Council of Rivière du Rempart that from 01 January 2025 to date, 113 building and land use permit, that is, BLUP applications have been received in respect of the region of Calodyne, comprising 67 residential development, 34 sub-division excision projects and 12 commercial developments. I am tabling a detailed schedule showing each application and its current status. I am further informed that two objections have been received in relation to proposed non-residential development, namely a proposed car wash and a proposed apartment development. As no formal BLUP application has yet been submitted in either case, no permit has been issued, and thus, no assessment has commenced. The objection has nevertheless been duly recorded and will be considered should formal BLUP application be submitted. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, all applications are assessed on an individual merits and in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2004, Local Government Act, the Planning Policy Guidance, the relevant technical sheet and other application law, and regulation and planning standards. The submission of the application does not confer any automatic entitlement to a permit. In determining an application, the local authority consults and takes into consideration, where applicable, the recommendation, technical advice, clearances and statutory requirements of the relevant authorities, including the Land Drainage Authority, Road Development Authority, Irrigation Authority, Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, National Ramsar Committee and other wetland authorities, Forestry Services, Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services, Central Water Authority, Central Electricity Board and Wastewater Management Authority. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, where required by law, development may also be subject to a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), Preliminary Environmental Report (PER), Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or any other statutory clearance deemed necessary by the competent authorities. These assessments ensure that adequate consideration is given to infrastructure capacity, road access, traffic circulation, drainage, flood risk, utility services, environmental protection, public health and safety before any development is authorised. I am further informed that no specific development plan currently exists for the region of Calodyne. Subsequently, applications are assessed on a case-to-case basis within the existing planning framework and in accordance with the recommendation of the relevant technical authorities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change that parts A, B and C of the Sixth Schedule of the Environment Act 2024 prescribe undertakings that may require a preliminary environmental report licence and environmental impact assessment licence or a strategic environmental assessment depending on the nature, scale, location and likely environmental impact of the proposed development. Section 30 (3) of the Act further empowers that the Minister responsible for environment to declare an undertaking as a schedule undertaking, requiring such approval where circumstances so warrant. The ministry has also confirmed that no PER or EIA licence has been issued in respect of any project located in Calodyne during the past 10 years. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, regarding report of activities in the region, I am informed that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, which has already issued a stop order and is monitoring the site through the relevant enforcement authorities, including the Police de l'Environnement. The grant of BLUP does not exempt a promoter from any other statutory obligation and every approved development must be implemented strictly in accordance with the approved plans and permit condition. The promoter and the and the responsible professionals, including the architects and engineers, are required to ensure full compliance with the application planning guidelines, building regulation, engineering standard, environmental requirements and construction norms governing the approved project. Any non-compliance may result in enforcement action by the competent authorities. Local authorities cannot lawfully grant permit that are contrary to statutory requirements, especially for planning control, technical standard or environmental safeguards. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Government remains committed to ensuring that developments in Calodyne and even all around the island proceed in a planned, balanced and sustainable manner. No permit is granted unless all applicable legal, planning, environmental and technical requirements have been satisfactorily addressed.

The hon. Third Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue! VALLÉE DES PRÊTRES – JAMES BURTY DAVID SSS STUDENTS – BUS SERVICE SHORTAGE