Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Chief Fire Officer that the relocation of the Mahebourg Fire Station has been under consideration for several years in view of the operational needs to provide a more adequate, accessible, strategically located facility to better serve the region of Mahebourg, Plaine Magnien, Beau Vallon, and surrounding areas. I am informed that in 2017, the Ministry of Local Government requested the Ministry of Housing and Land to identify an appropriate plot of land of an extent of approximately one arpent for the relocation of fire station from Mahebourg to Beau Vallon or its periphery. I am further informed that a plot of land adjoining the Beau Vallon Football Ground had initially been identified for that purpose. However, despite consultation and negotiations carried out at the level of the relevant authorities, the owner of the land, namely, Compagnie de Beau Vallon Ltd, was not agreeable to release the land. Consequently, the proposed acquisition process could not be finalised and alternative option had to be explored. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, following further consultations held in December 2025 and 16 January 2026 with the Ministry of Housing and Lands and other stakeholders, a site visit was carried out on 20 January 2026 in the presence of representatives of my Ministry, the Ministry of Housing and Lands, the Ministry of National Infrastructure, the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service and representative of Compagnie de Beau Vallon Limitée. I am informed that following these consultations and site assessment, two alternative sites situated along the Plaine Magnien-Mahebourg A10 Road at Beau Vallon were identified as being potentially suitable for the relocation of the Mahebourg Fire Station. The first proposed site of an extent of approximately one arpent is located near the C-Lab, Beau Vallon, adjoining the Muga, Beau Vallon and is owned by Compagnie de Beau Vallon Limitée. The second proposed site of an extent of approximately 1.15 arpent is located opposite the C-Lab, Beau Vallon near the roundabout area and is owned by King Savers Limited. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that following consultation with the architect of the Ministry of National Infrastructure and relevant technical authorities, both sites may be considered for the construction of the new fire station, subject to the requirement, technical clearance and statutory approvals from the relevant authorities, including the Land Drainage Authority, the Road Development Authority, the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit, and other concerned agencies. In order to proceed with the project in a coordinated and transparent manner, the Fire and Rescue Service addressed a formal correspondence on 28 January 2026 to the Ministry of Housing and Lands requesting that clearances, technical views and evaluation exercise be initiated in respect of both sites in parallel so as to facilitate an informed decision regarding the eventual acquisition of the most appropriate site. I am further informed that following a reminder issued on 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Lands confirms that the views of the relevant authorities have been received at its level, including the views of the Land Drainage Authority which were communicated on 11 May 2026. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the Ministry of Housing and Lands is expected to convene a technical meeting with all stakeholders concerned so that a final assessment may be carried out and a clear and reasoned decision may be taken regarding the most suitable site for the relocation of the Mahebourg Fire Station, prior to the initiation of the land acquisition procedures. A further joint site visit is also expected to be carried out with all the authorities concerned, and the hon. Member and his two colleagues of his constituency will be invited accordingly. As regards to the implementation time frame of the project, same will depend on the completion of the land acquisitions procedures, the outcome of the technical clearance, geotechnical assessment and other statutory and administrative requirements connected with the selected site. However, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to reassure the House that relevant Ministries and authorities are actively pursuing the matter in so that the relocation project may be proceeded within the shortest possible delay once all procedures and approvals have been completed. Thank you.

The hon. Second Member for Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes! MOGAS & GAS OIL – VAT PAYABLE