Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the National History Museum of Mahebourg, which is a national heritage building dated back to the French colonial period, had to be closed by my Ministry in December 2025 for renovation works as its roof had reached an advanced stage of deterioration with water ingress during rainy weather. It is regrettable that no substantive action was taken by the previous government despite clear and repeated signs of deterioration over many years to preserve this important heritage asset, apart from the installation of a trampoline over the roof to prevent water ingress. This temporary measure proved ineffective, and rainwater infiltration over time has significantly damaged the timber structure of the building, thereby necessitating comprehensive renovation works. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in December 2025, during the cyclonic season, the museum was closed and all artefacts were relocated to safer locations in other museums under the Mauritius Museum Council. I wish to highlight that, initially, due to budgetary constraints, my Ministry had envisaged to carry out the roofing works in the first instance. However, following a reassessment of the overall condition of the building, my Ministry is now considering a comprehensive renovation of the museum instead of a phased approached as this would be more sustainable and beneficial in the long term. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the scope of works which would, inter alia, comprise a complete rehabilitation of the museum, re-roofing, replacement of wooden structure and timber openings and its estimated cost are currently being worked out and will be taken into consideration in the context of budget preparation. Once the tender is finalised, launched and awarded, the renovation works are expected to take approximately one year to be completed. The museum’s scenography, on its part, will be worked out simultaneously with the assistance of the French Government, in line with the agreement signed on the protection and preservation of our heritage buildings. Accordingly, at this stage, it will be difficult for me to give an indication of the date of the re-opening as this will depend on the completion of all the procurement processes. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the objective is not merely to re-open the museum, but to restore it as a modern, resilient and nationally significant heritage institution. Thank you.

Hon. Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes! SODNAC WELLNESS PARK & FARQUHAR RECREATIONAL PARK – STRAY DOGS – SAFETY MEASURES