Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the newly constructed food court at Rose Belle has an overall dimension of 47.5 metres by 17.5 metres. The project has been designed to accommodate two categories of stallholders – • The first category concerns stallholders engaged in cooking food on site and selling directly to the public. For this category, 34 stalls have been constructed, each having a dimension of 3.9 metres by 2.2 metres. • The second category concerns stall holders involved in the sale of already prepared food and beverages. For this purpose, 36 stalls have been provided, each measuring 1.9 metres by 2.2 metres. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the food court is situated at an approximate distance of 40 metres from the existing Dr. James Burty David Market Fair at Rose Belle. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, prior to embarking on the project, the District Council of Grand Port held consultation with stallholders of the food section of the Rose Belle Market Fair on 28 February 2022. During that meeting, the proposed concept and design of the food court were presented to the stallholders. Subsequently, bids were invited through open national bidding on 30 September 2022 for the extension of the Dr. James Burty David Market Fair to accommodate the food court project. The works commenced in January 2023 and were completed in September 2025 at a total cost of Rs16.8 million. Following completion of this project, another consultative meeting was held on 23 April 2026 in the presence of the Chairperson and Officers of the District Council of Grand Port together with stall holders concerned. Out of 74 stallholders invited, 62 attended the meeting. During discussion, a small number of stallholders raised concerns mainly regarding ventilation, ceiling heights and sitting amenities for customers. I am informed that the District Council has already taken note of these observations and is presently undertaking the necessary additional works and adjustment. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the food court project was initiated mainly to provide a more organised, safer and dedicated space for food related activities, particularly in view of the fact that the existing market fair does not presently hold a valid fire certificate. I am further informed that there are presently 36 stallholders engaged in cooking food on site, whereas 34 cooking stalls have initially been constructed. In this respect, the Council has already identified two additional stalls for extension and conversion so as to fully accommodate all concerned stallholders. As regards stalls for the sales of already prepared food and beverages such as dholl puri, briani, alouda, juice and salad, there are 36 stalls available for only 20 existing operators. Subsequently, the District Council of Grand Port proposes to conduct an Expression of Interest exercise for the remaining stalls after completion of all formalities. For the operation of the food court, the District Council is required to obtain both a health clearance from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and a fire certificate from the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service. Site visits have already been carried out by the relevant authorities, and the Council is presently completing the remaining infrastructural and compliance requirements. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (c) of the question, I am informed that the food court has been equipped with the necessary basic infrastructure and amenities including the water supply, electricity supply, lighting facilities, ventilation arrangement, wastewater disposal system, extractor fans for cooking stall and parking facilities. Provision has also been made for individual electricity supply to each stall following allocation. In addition, four wall fans have already been installed, and the Council is proposing the installation of eight additional ceiling fans in order to further improve ventilation and comfort for both stall holders and members of the public. Ancillary works related to water, electricity and wastewater disposal are also being analysed. I am informed that toilet facilities are not located directly within the food court itself. However, members of the public and stallholders will have access to existing sanitary facilities situated at the Rose Belle Market Fair and the Rose Belle Traffic Centre including facilities for men, women and persons with disabilities. Necessary repair works to certain facilities are also being attended to. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am also informed that the draft regulations governing the operation and management of the District Council of Grand Port, Dr. James Burty David Food Court have already been prepared and vetted by the legal advisor of the Council and are presently being processed for gazetting. The District Council of Grand Port is proposing to render the food court operational as soon as all remaining minor works and statutory clearance are completed, including the issuance of the fire certificate and health clearance. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Ramdass!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, a food court by definition ought to make provisions for seating arrangements for customers to sit and eat. Would the hon. Minister be able to enlighten the House as to whether this newly built food court is equipped with seating arrangements precisely for customers to sit and eat?

Yes, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. I am informed that the Council has already taken note of concern raised regarding seating arrangement and is examining additional provision within the available space and in compliance with safety requirements. So, this also has been taken note by the Council.

My question was whether the newly built food court has seating arrangements for people to sit and eat?

He said the Council is looking into it.

Further question, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Does the hon. Minister find it normal for a newly built food court not to be equipped with toilet facilities so that as he said himself, customers have to walk all the way to late Dr. James Burty David Market Fair to have access to toilet facilities?

Hon. Minister!

I just said, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is only from the main market to the food court, we have only 40 metres. So, it is not far. In fact, the toilet for the disabled is broken. We are all repairing all these for men, women and the disabled one and you can even use the traffic centre toilet and even the main toilet at the Rose Belle Fair.

Hon. First Member for Piton and Rivière du Rempart! 100 ELECTRIC BUSES FLEET – CHARGING STATIONS – DEPLOYMENT & OPERATIONALISATION