I thank the hon. Member for this question, Madam Speaker. The House will recall that on 28 February 2025, I made a statement regarding the mobile network problem at Pont Bon Dieu along Salazie route. I informed on three points – (i) that Mauritius Telecom had identified three locations for new mobile sites, namely Crimson Hall near Salazie Farm, and near Eau Bouillie Bus Terminal; (ii) that Mauritius Telecom was in consultation with the owner of Crimson Hall and a feasibility study is underway. The works at this site were expected to be completed by end of May 2025, and (iii) that Mauritius Telecom was looking for a plot of land for the setting up of a new tower at the sites near Salazie Farm and Eau Bouillie. Subject to the obtention of an appropriate plot of land and a Building and Land Use Permit, the new towers would be installed by December 2025 and May 2026, respectively. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the antenna support to be installed at Crimson Hall is already operational since October 2025. With regard to the sites identified at Salazie Farm and Eau Bouillie Bus Terminal, I am further informed that Mauritius Telecom is still liaising with the Ministry of Agro-Industry for release of the land. This is in process. As for Emtel Ltd, it has indicated that once Mauritius Telecom secures a site and becomes operational, it would make a request for co-location at that site. The third operator, MTML (Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited) informed that tests were conducted at the Salazie-Pont Bon Dieu region, but anticipated coverage improvement was not achieved primarily due to dense vegetation. Further testing is being carried, and if road coverage target would still not be achieved, the option of co-locating will also be considered by this operator. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Yes!

Madam Speaker, being given that it is also a matter of concern for the people of the eastern region of the country having the same issue, will the hon. Minister be able to confirm as to whether the same facilities have been identified in those areas as well?

Yes, hon. Minister!

This is a problem that is persistent in several regions of the country. I can also name the south-east coast where at one point in time, there is no connection at all. Now, the ICTA has taken note of this issue. This is why the ICTA is releasing, in a few weeks’ time, an app called nPerf, which will be used to officially send out, by members of the public, information on the network level. This will be taken by the authority to the operators for them to ensure that they provide adequate coverage.

Great! Okay, hon. Beechook!

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the antenna at Crimson Hall. However, as a matter of policy, will the hon. Minister consider the possibility of urging those telecom providers to provide service because there are too many dead zones? Many of them, like Mare aux Vacoas, Mare Longue, Grand Bassin, Gorges, are regions which are high tourists’ regions. Unfortunately, it is a shame for Mauritius that there is no network coverage done by companies who earn millions of profits in a service which, to my standards, is to be considered as an essential service.

Nowadays! Yes!

Thank you, hon. Beechook. There is an economic reality that the companies are also facing. However, there is a minimum coverage that should be provided for tourists, I agree, but also for Mauritians as well. There are some areas where, should a car breakdown and the driver be alone at night, it could cause danger to their life. Therefore, the ICTA has the responsibility to ensure with the operators that there is a minimum coverage. I will convey that message to the Board of the ICTA. Thank you.

Hon. Juman, your question has been replied already. So, we have finished with that. GAS OIL, MOGAS, JET FUEL & LPG – STOCK LEVELS, SUPPLY DISRUPTIONS & PREVENTIVE MEASURES