Madam Speaker, with your permission, I shall reply to PQ B/362. Madam Speaker, local authorities carry out the cleaning drains and the desilting of rivers and canals on a continuous basis. These operations are conducted in close collaboration with the Land Drainage Authority which identifies priority areas annually. In addition, regular site inspections are undertaken within their respective jurisdiction to monitor the condition of waterways and to ensure timely intervention where required. However, Madam Speaker, illegal dumping by certain members of the public remains a significant contributing factor to the obstruction of waterways and resulting flooding risks as the hon. Member said. With regard to part (a)(i) of the question, I am advised that over the past two years, a total of 525 cases of illegal dumping in drains, rivers and canals have been reported to local authorities, the Police de l’Environnement and the Environment and Climate Change Division. A detailed breakdown of these cases, including actions taken, fines issued and nuisance abatement is being tabled for the benefit of the House. Out of these cases – • 14 cases resulted in fines being paid; • 96 cases led to nuisance abatement, and • 3 cases are currently under enquiry. Madam Speaker, prosecution in such matters remain challenging as these offences are often committed at odd hours and in many instances without direct evidence or identified offenders. Nevertheless, enforcement action continues wherever sufficient evidence is available, particularly through the issuance of fixed penalty notices and follow-up intervention by the Police de l’Environnement. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a)(ii), the local authorities, the Police de l’Environnement and other relevant agencies have adopted a coordinated and proactive approach, particularly in known illegal dumping hotspots. All these measures include – (i) identified monitoring and surveillance in vulnerable areas; (ii) regular cleanup and desilting operations; (iii) installation of appropriate signage in dumping prone locations; (iv) strengthened enforcement by the Police de l’Environnement and Police Division; (v) deployment of the Emergency Response Service (ERS) and Divisional Support Unit (DSU) to monitor and intercept suspicious activities; (vi) restrengthening neighbourhood watch groups; (vii) public awareness and sensitisation campaigns; (viii) sensitisation of land owners on their legal responsibilities; (ix) public education on the provisions of the Environment Act 2024. These measures are ongoing and are continuously reinforced. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question, I wish to inform the House that a robust legal framework is already in place to address illegal dumping. Under the Local Government Act 2011, notably section 61(11), it is an offence to deposit waste, including builder’s rubble, vehicle wreck and other materials in drains, rivers, canals or public places. Furthermore, the Environment Act 2024 provides for additional enforcement mechanisms including – • eye sore abatement notices with intrigant penalties; • fixed penalty notices currently set at Rs25,000; • enhanced action for dumping in environmentally sensitive areas, and • a strict penalty for offenses in coastal and maritime zone. A document outlining these legal provisions is being tabled for the benefit of the hon. Member. Madam Speaker, Government is also actively considering further measures to strengthen the existing legislative framework. For the Financial Year 2026-2027, proposals have been submitted to review and increase fixed penalties including the doubling of certain fines. Measures are under consideration to harmonise and enhance penalties for littering and illegal dumping, and the introduction of community service as sanction for repeat offenders is being examined, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office. Madam Speaker, I am also chairing regular coordination meetings with Chief Executives and Health Inspectors of local authorities to strengthen enforcement, improve inter-agency coordination and ensure sustained actions against illegal and its associated public health and flooding risks, among other items. My last meeting was held on Monday 06 April 2026. Madam Speaker, Government remains fully committed to reinforcing enforcement, enhancing public awareness and strengthening the legal framework to effectively combat illegal dumping and mitigate its impact on drainage systems and flooding. With these measures being implemented across the island, sustained success requires close collaboration between different Ministries and the public. In this respect, I wish to assure the hon. Member that my Ministry and local authorities remain fully receptive to any specific representation, including the identification of particular hot spot within her constituency or elsewhere. Should any additional information, proposal or suggestion be brought forward, these will be duly examined and appropriate site visit and targeted intervention will be carried out promptly in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. This approach ensures that our response remains proactive, evidence-based and focused on priority areas in the interest of protecting public health, preserving the environment and reducing flood risks. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes, Dr. Ms Daureeawo!

Could the hon. Minister state whether consideration is being given to introducing stricter liability provisions as a means of deterrence?

Yes, Madam Speaker. We have fixed penalty notices currently set at Rs25,000. For the financial year 2026-2027, the proposal has already been submitted to review and to increase fixed penalties, including the doubling of certain fines.

Yes!

Can the hon. Minister state whether in all the known illegal dumping hot spots, there are CCTV surveillance?

Yes, Madam Speaker, I have already listed a series of mitigating measures. The increased use of Safe City cameras is also considered. it is one among them.

Okay, fine! Now, Mr François, Second Member for Rodrigues! NATIONAL ARCHIVES – RODRIGUES HERITAGE VALUE DOCUMENTS – DIGITALISATION