Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at the very outset, I wish to point out the following. First, based on available data, the two places referred to in the question, namely Morcellement Black Rock and Morcellement Beloguet, do not fall in flood prone areas and are neither found in no-go zones nor in no-expansion zone. Second, Morcellement Black Rock and Morcellement Beloguet are not located along the classified road, Black River Road A3, and, therefore, do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Road Development Authority, which is responsible for the care and maintenance of classified roads, specifically main roads and motorways, including the maintenance, upgrading and construction of new drains along those roads. Third, Morcellement Beloguet is a private property, as informed by the District Council of Black River. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Land Drainage Authority that there are no ongoing projects being implemented by the RDA in the region. However, the RDA has, based on the recommendation of the LDA, planned to undertake the reconstruction of the following two culverts at La Gaulette – (i) culvert near La Gaulette Community Centre. A works order to the tune of Rs11,221,360.89, inclusive of VAT, has been issued on 08 April 2026. (ii) culvert at La Gaulette near the state secondary school, funds have been requested for implementation of the project in financial year 2026/2027. I am also informed by the Black River District Council that it has one drain project in the region of Black Rock, Tamarin near Oxenham with regard to the construction of two cut-off drains. This project is still at design stage. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Black River District Council that the services of a consultant will be sought to conduct a survey and assess the existing drains in the whole area in a holistic manner to propose flood mitigating measures prior to seeking approval of the LDA and financial clearance for implementing the project. I am further informed by the LDA and the and the Black River District Council that the latter carries out regular cleaning and desilting of drains to ensure free flow of water. The cleaning and desilting of the natural drain at Morcellement Black Rock, Tamarin was undertaken last year. Regular cleaning is done as and when required.

Okay. The hon. Third Member for Port-Louis North and Montagne Longue! PUBLIC SERVICE – PAPERLESS ENVIRONMENT – IMPLEMENTATION