Madam Speaker, with your permission, I shall reply to PQ B/262. I wish to inform the House that the existing lateral access road leading to Anse la Raie public beach measures approximately 475 metres in length and 6 metres in width. With regard to the proposed widening on this road, I am informed that such an undertaking would require the acquisition of a minimum strip of approximately two metres along the existing alignment. The road is presently bounded by six plots of land on either side, comprising two state land portion, one privately owned plot, several plots with unidentified ownership. In this context, any land acquisition process would be complexed, time consuming and subject to statutory procedures. Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise that no formal request petition or representation has been received at the level of the Village Council, the District Council or my Ministry from residents, land owners or elected councillors regarding the enlargement of this access route according to the Chief Executive of the Council. As regards financial implications, the estimated cost of the project including land acquisition, road construction and associated infrastructure such as road marking, lighting is around Rs17 million. However, the District Council currently has a provision of only Rs3.4 million earmarked for general road rehabilitation works across its villages and is, therefore, not in a position to undertake such a project at this stage. At present, no specific provision exists under the District Council approved budget for the execution of this project. Madam Speaker, with respect to the construction of an alternative access road to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during festive period, I am informed that a detailed land survey and feasibility access would first need to be carried out to determine the most appropriate alignment. This would equally entail additional land acquisition and significant financial resources. Madam Speaker, notwithstanding these constraints Government remain committed to improving public access infrastructure. In this regard, I wish to inform the House that following the request of the hon. Member, the project has already been included in the list of proposed capital project under the small community project programme for the Financial Year 2026-2027 and will be considered accordingly subject to priority and availability of fund. Moreover, I am informed that the National Development Unit has funding for road rehabilitation programme and the project may, where appropriate, be referred for consideration under this scheme as well. Accordingly, implementation of the project will be subject to availability of fund, completion of required surveys and compliance with all procedures including land acquisition. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Beejan!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the hon. Minister arrange for a site visit with all stakeholders, including Mauri-Facilities, so that we can ensure well in advance that clearing and lopping works are carried out in a timely manner? Thank you.

Yes, Madam Speaker. I am agreeable. My Ministry will liaise with all the District Councils and Mauri-Facilities. But I think that the District Council is enough because with the recent recruitment that we have, we can do it in house, with in-house labour.

Thank you. Yes, the hon. François! RODRIGUES – MULTI-USE GAMES AREA INFRASTRUCTURE – CONSTRUCTION & COST