Madam Speaker, I am informed that the junction of B24, Higginson Road and B111, Unité Branch Road has been identified by the Land Drainage Authority as a high-risk flood-prone area due to its low-lying topography and the convergence of significant upstream overland flows, resulting in recurrent flooding, debris accumulation and disruptions to road users during heavy rainfall. Following detailed technical assessments, the LDA developed a comprehensive flood mitigation concept for the area, which was subsequently entrusted to the Drain Infrastructure Construction Limited on 16 September 2024 for implementation. The proposal provides for holistic solution comprising a retention basin, major culverts and a system of swales designed to attenuate and safely convey storm water up to the final discharge point, that is, Rivière du Poste de Flacq. The estimated cost of the overall solution is approximately Rs177 million excluding VAT. Madam Speaker, following consultations within my Ministry and the LDA, it was agreed to proceed in phases, prioritising immediate risk reduction works. Thereafter, following further consultations with the LDA, the Road Development Authority and the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, the project design was refined to incorporate traffic safety improvements alongside flood mitigation, including the introduction of a roundabout at the junction. The first phase of the project will focus on critical interventions at the junction, namely the raising, realignment and reprofiling of the B24, B111 junction, the construction of reinforced concrete culverts to improve hydraulic conveyance, and associated drainage, and road safety works, including a three-legged roundabout, earth drains and riprap protection. Madam Speaker, financial clearance of Rs49.42 million was sought and obtained from the Ministry of Finance for works, together with an additional sum of Rs3.81 million for consultancy services and land surveying. The procurement process has been completed. The Bid Evaluation Committee has recommended award to Transway Construction Company Ltd for an amount of approximately Rs49.42 million exclusives of VAT. Award has been made on 06 July 2026. Works are scheduled to start on 15 August 2026 with a contract duration of 364 calendar days. Works are expected to be completed by 15 August 2027. Madam Speaker, I also wish to inform the House that in addition to the works to be undertaken by DICL, the earth rail component forming part of the continuous drainage channel, that is, from the new RC culvert at the road junction up to the final discharge point, will be implemented on a cost sharing basis, separately by Alteo Ltd, over a stretch of 475 meters following technical coordination with DICL and the LDA. The detailed engineering drawings and specifications regarding the earth rail have already been transmitted to Alteo Ltd. This component is intended to commence in coordination with the phase one works to ensure hydraulic continuity of the system up to the discharge point. Madam Speaker, as regards the remaining components of the overall flood mitigation solution, including the retention basin and additional upstream attenuation measures, these will be undertaken in subsequent phases while closely monitoring the effectiveness of phase one in the first instance.

Thank you. Hon. Beechook, you are alright? Thank you. Now, I think it is hon. Second Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d'Or! GOODLANDS – FORMER TRAFFIC CENTRE – SPORTS COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT