Madam Speaker, I am informed that there is currently no proposed project for the development of a sports complex on the site of the former traffic centre at Goodlands. The land, which is State land vested in the District Council of Riviere du Rempart, covers an area of approximately 5,500 square meters. While the region already benefits from several outdoor sporting facilities, there is currently no dedicated indoor sports complex within the jurisdiction of the District Council. Madam Speaker, the development of an indoor and outdoor sports complex is a major capital investment. Such a project requires proper planning, technical studies, detailed design and adequate financial resources. It must therefore be identified as a priority by the District Council and included in its capital investment program and budget estimates before Government funding can be considered. In this regard, hon. Members were invited to submit priority capital projects for their respective constituencies under the Government of India grant with funding up to Rs23 million per constituency. This provided an opportunity for the proposed sports complex to be considered in consultation with the District Council. Similarly, during the annual budget preparation exercise, all local authorities were invited to submit their priority capital projects together with the necessary cost estimate for consideration by my Ministry and the Ministry of Finance. The hon. Member could also have discussed this proposal with the Chairperson and members of the District Council so that the project could be considered among the council's development priorities. Likewise, my Ministry remains open to receiving proposals from the local authorities for projects of this nature. However, I am informed that no such proposal or request was submitted during the recent budget preparation exercise. Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise that successful local government projects are best achieved through close cooperation between the elected member and the local authority with my Ministry. Parliamentary Questions play an important role in ensuring accountability but development projects are generally more effective when they are supported by proper consultation, planning and prioritisation before funding is sought. Nevertheless, recognising the importance of providing better sporting opportunities for the youth and resident of the region, I have requested the District Council of Rivière du Rempart to carry out a needs assessment for the proposed indoor sports complex. If the assessment confirms the need and if the District Council decides to proceed with the project, it may be considered during the next budget preparation exercise, subject to the submission of the necessary technical studies and cost estimate under a design and build procurement approach and the availability of funds and all requirement approvals. My Ministry remains fully committed to working closely with the District Council and all stakeholders to support projects that promote community development, encourage youth participation in sports and improve the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Yes, hon. Beejan!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Is the hon. Minister aware that the former traffic centre at Goodlands has become a place where residents have repeatedly reported illicit activities despite the cleaning of the premises recently by Mauri Facilities and even by District Council of Rivière du Rempart? Can the hon. Minister inform the House what is the short-term planning to prevent this this type of situation?

Madam Speaker, as I said in my reply, this type of project requires proper planning, technical studies, detailed design and adequate financial resources. So, I already explained very well, very clearly, when we have the budget estimates, we have to come up with this sort of capital projects and then with the council to give it a priority. So now I got the request, maybe next time we can write prepare this capital project.

But the kind of question that you are putting hon. Member, maybe does not necessarily concern the hon. Minister because you are raising an issue of problems that are cropping up at that place, right? Maybe you can come up with a question for some other Ministry. Think about it. You wanted a second question? Okay. Good hon. Minister. All right. Now we have the hon. Second Member for Savanne and Black River. BAMBOUS – NEW MARKET FAIR CONSTRUCTION – COMPLETION TIME FRAME