Thank you very much. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, presently, there are two barachois which are operational in Constituency No. 6, which have been allocated to promoters and not leased to them. These are as follows – (i) Barachois Lagesse, also known as Petit Barachois, allocated on 09 January 2014, for oyster culture, to Persand Royal Company Ltd, having as Director, Mr Khemraj Persand, and located at Coacaud Road, Grand Gaube, and (ii) Grand Barachois, also known as Bassin Humbert, allocated to Mauricoast Ltd, on 17 September 2015, having as Director Mr Yashodhar Boygah, and located at Maurel, Rivière du Rempart.

Ah, qui ne se souvient pas !

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the activities carried out by the above promoters are as follows – Persand Royal Company Ltd has been allocated the Petit Barachois of an extent of 90 arpents for the barachois, and 3 arpents 25 perches for the adjoining State land for oyster culture for a period of three years from 2016. The company was allowed to continue its activities till date. The species which are currently farmed in plastic drums in the barachois are oysters, clams and crabs. Future development in the barachois include the construction of a hatchery, a depuration station, and a laboratory which has been favourably considered by the Ministry. A lease agreement for a period of 10 years has been worked out by the Ministry for this barachois, and has been legally vetted by the Attorney General's Office. On 22 April 2026, the draft lease agreement has been submitted to the company for its view prior to the signature. The Ministry is awaiting for the company's reply. The Ministry of Housing and Lands has also been requested to confirm the demarcation coordinates of the barachois, if ever the lease agreement will be finalised. Let me come to the Grand Barachois also known as Bassin Humbert. Mauricoast Ltd has been allocated the Grand Barachois of an extent of 110 arpents for the barachois, and 11 arpents 85 perches for the adjoining State land for mud crabs, sea cucumber and oyster aquaculture for an initial period of five years since 2015. The company was allowed to continue its activities till date. The species which are currently farmed in the barachois are oysters and mud crab. There was also production of sea cucumber, and sea cucumber juveniles have been released in the barachois. Further development plan includes production of high economic value, critical for cosmetic and health industry. The project write-up submitted by the company was in March 2025, and it is being looked into. The draft lease agreement for this barachois is currently being drafted by the Ministry, which will include all approved ongoing above mentioned. Once finalised – if ever it is finalised – the draft lease agreement would be vetted by the Attorney General's Office and then finalised, if we are going ahead with the lease agreement. So, let us wait and see. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Member!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Will the hon. Minister indicate whether any arrears of payment fees are outstanding in respect to any barachois operating in Constituency No. 6? If so, what are the measures taken till now?

As I have stated, there was no lease agreement. I leave it to the Attorney General’s Office. Once advice is tendered to us, if the need is felt, we will have to recover the arrears. You can rest assured appropriate measure will be taken. There is also the indemnity, which my good friend is convoying.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Can the hon. Minister state whether the Ministry has carried out inspections of the barachois during the last three years? With regard to any non-compliance, what action has been taken till now?

We have no choice, but following the questions which you have put, it is an eye-opener and you can rest assured more than one visit will be carried out.

The hon. Third Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien! FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS – SOUTHERN DIVISION – CAUSES & SAFETY MEASURES