Madam Speaker, road congestion remains a persistent challenge. As the House is aware, Mauritius has inherited a colonial era road network which was designed to satisfy the transport needs of that time and is not adapted to meet modern engineering standards or to cater for the current traffic volumes. The network comprises motorways, main roads, A and B roads and secondary roads. Over the years, the road network has been progressively upgraded to international standards, which includes the development of new motorway infrastructure with four to six lanes. Our current road network now spans over 3000 km with approximately 1300 km being classified roads. Notwithstanding these improvements, there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. This high concentration of vehicles has contributed to congestion across the island. I am informed that with a view to addressing road congestion, the Road Development Authority is implementing a series of measures which include – 1. The construction of link roads and bypasses; 2. Junction improvements, and 3. The provision of additional lanes across motorways. Moreover, to alleviate congestion at specific locations, the RDA is currently implementing short term measures including the following – 1. Slip lane at Nalletamby and St- Paul Roads; 2. Works along the A20-B70 Link Road at La Brasserie; 3. Slip lane at Côte d'Or along Motorway M3; 4. Proposed slip lane at Ripailles along Motorway M3; 5. Proposed strengthening works along Motorway M1, and 6. Proposed construction of flyovers at Camp Fouquereaux and La Vigie. Madam Speaker, I am further informed by the RDA that with a view to supporting sustainable development of the island by providing safe and fast connectivity to all parts of the country as well as addressing traffic congestion, the RDA has been preparing a New Strategic Road Network Masterplan in consultation with relevant stakeholders. This forward- looking Masterplan aims to address both current and future traffic demands and will guide the development of the transport infrastructure over the coming decades. The Masterplan encompasses major projects such as Motorway M4, Ring Road Phases II and III, the Dubreuil-Melrose Link Road, the Calebasses-Arsenal-Solitude Link Road, the Tamarin Bypass and the Motorway M5 from the airport to Chemin Grenier amongst others. Madam Speaker, the Congestion Management Strategy goes beyond building new roads infrastructure and encompasses a wider set of transport measures. Achieving sustainable mobility requires actions such as better traffic management and stronger public transport systems. This masterplan aims to modernise connectivity, address road congestion and support sustainable growth. Upon finalisation, the approval of government will be sought for the implementation of the new Strategic Road Network Masterplan, which is expected to shape our long-term mobility landscape.

Yes!

Can the hon. Minister provide the timeline for implementation of the masterplan?

We are working on the masterplan, and I think it will go to the Cabinet in the near future. But the implementation will take time. As you know, all road infrastructure projects involve heavy investment. And we know in which economic situation the country is faced with right now. But, at least, for the M4 Project, with the help/aid of the Indian Government, we are going to start it in the coming months. Probably by July or August, we will start with the project from Forbach to Bel Air.

Yes, do you have one more?

Yes, one more. Can the hon. Minister provide data or information on the improvement in the traffic flow resulting from the effectiveness of strategies already in place?

I have said in my answer that while we are working on road projects, at the same time, we are also working on mitigation measures, short quick-wins projects, where we can solve lay-bys and get slip lanes. We are working on these small projects which can be a quick-win. For example, on the highway, at Ripailles, we have a slip lane. At Nalletamby, near Meteo, we will be having a slip lane. These will, at least, mitigate the congestion problem.

Yes, hon. François!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Minister whether the RDA signed any MoU with the Regional Assembly as regards to technical expertise collaboration for road development to avoid future congestion and to look into sharing of knowledge in Rodrigues?

Yes, we had an MoU. I recall when I was there in August, last year, we signed the MoU with the Regional Assembly and the RDA. Just to inform you, the project of the bridge at Mourouk will be undertaken. We have transferred it to the RDA so that it does that project.

Okay. Hon. Dr. Ms Daureeawoo! Then, hon. Dr. Prayag. Then, we break.

Could the hon. Minister state what budgetary allocations have been made for the said project?

You mean for the M4? If for the M4, it is a budgetary provision of Rs10.8 billion. It will be provided by the Indian Government in the form of grant and line of credit.

Yes, hon. Dr. Prayag!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Could the hon. Minister please consider to classify roads that were under the purview of the local government in the past, which are more congested than before, and take them under his Ministry, under the RDA, so that we can at least have bigger amount of budgeting for those roads?

Yes, hon. Minister!

Yes. Every year, we are taking a few roads from non-classified to classified. You have one from your constituency, Beau Plateau Road, I think, which will become a classified road. We are also working on a plan so that the RDA becomes the highway authority. But this will require the approval of government, Cabinet and everything so that the RDA can become the authority which looks after all the road networks. Actually, non-classified roads are taken care by the local authorities, and classified roads by RDA and some by NDU. So, we have to put some order in that.

Thank you very much, everyone. Now, I suspend the Sitting for one and a half hour. We will come back at 2.30 p.m. At 1.00 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.36 p.m., with Madam Speaker in the Chair. MINOR F. A. – HOSPITALISATION – MEDICAL CONDITIONS