Madam Speaker, with regard to the potential risks of accident during the Sunday open market held at Fond du Sac, I wish to inform the House that based on information obtained from the Mauritius Police Force Northern Division, no road accidents, snatching or pickpocketing or any harassment, public nuisance, assault cases have been reported to the immediate vicinity of the market for the period January 2023 to 13 March 2026. Madam Speaker, as regard to the plan for the construction of the sheltered market at Fond du Sac, the project was initially identified as a project under preparation in 2021. At that time an initial request was made to Compagnie de Mont Choisy Limitée (CDMC) for the allocation of approximately 19,500 m² of land forming part of Mont Choisy Smart City phase 2 for the purpose of implementing this project. The proposed acquisition of the land was to be considered under the provision of the Sugar Industry Efficiency Act 2001 while matters relating to land conversion were to be examined by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. Subsequently, on 23 September 2024, CDMC informed the authority that it was agreeable in principle to transfer a plot of land of about 4 arpents 61 perches at the nominal price of Rs1 for the implementation of a project. Madam Speaker, following a site visit effected on 10 April 2025 which I attended together with the hon. Minister of Education and Human Resource and the two hon. Members of the National Assembly of the Constituency No.6, representatives of the District Council of Pamplemousses and officers of my Ministry, it was considered that the initial proposed extent of land would not be sufficient to accommodate the market and the necessary supporting infrastructure. Subsequently, it was decided that a request be made for approximately 6 acres of land in order to cater for the construction of the sheltered market as well as parking facilities and other associated amenities required for proper operation of the market. The District Council of Pamplemousses has accordingly made the request to Compagnie de Mont Choisy Limitée. By letter dated 25 November 2025, the company informed that the request for 6 arpents of land was under consideration and that a reply would be communicated upon completion of their evaluation. A further follow-up request was sent on 03 March 2026 and I am informed that a layout plan for the proposed development is currently being submitted to facilitate company’s consideration of the request. Madam Speaker, my Ministry remain committed to the implementation of this project with a view to providing a properly structured organised and safer market environment for both vendors and members of the public. In this regard, the District Council of Pamplemousses intend to resubmit the project under the performance-based budget 2026/2027 as a project under preparation, so that once the issue of land allocation is finalised, the design and implementation of the sheltered market at Fond du Sac may proceed. Thank you.

Yes! Okay! Hon. Etwareea!

I would like to know what are the obstacles that are stopping the signing of the Memorandum of Association with the Mont Choisy Group so far?

As I said, Madam Speaker, the request from 4.61 acres has become 6 Arpents. So, the request has been changed which has to be considered by the CDMC. So, we have already sent two requests. So, we are waiting for the final reply from them.

Okay, alright. Mr Beejan! NEW GOODLANDS MARKET FAIR – PROJECT COSTS – STALLS