Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in regard to the question, I wish to state unequivocally that this Government attaches the highest importance to the development of appropriate infrastructure for the promotion of drama, music and the arts amongst our youths. It is true that given the prevailing situation, the construction of a new large-scale infrastructure cannot be undertaken indiscriminately and must be carefully prioritised within the national budgetary framework. However, while the current economic context requires prudence, this Government is taking concrete steps to prioritise and sequence projects in a responsible and sustainable manner, unlike in the past, where investments were not always aligned with national priorities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, when this Government took office, the arts and culture sector was characterised by years of neglect. Key facilities, including the Serge Constantin Theatre (SCT), had remained closed and underutilised for prolonged periods, depriving an entire generation of young Mauritian of access to proper artistic platform. Decisive actions have since been taken. The SCT has been partly rehabilitated and reopened in September 2025 and further investments are going on at both the SCT and Pointe Canon Open Air Theatre to expand access and increase capacity for youth engagement in the arts. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at the same time, my Ministry is not waiting passively for new infrastructure to materialise. We are actively maximising the use of existing facilities including the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique Francois Mitterrand Trust Fund and its regional branches as well as four Centres de Formation Artistique situated at Paillotte, Mahebourg, Plaine des Papayes and Bel Air Rivière Sèche whilst continuing to examine how access to artistic training and practice may be further broadened. In that connection, one of the avenues that we will explore is the use of the other government buildings and other regional facilities to bring drama, music and arts activities closer to the youth. This matter will be considered more fully in the context of the work of the National Arts Open Commission once set up, so that any such approach forms part of a coherent and sustainable strategy for the sector. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to seize this opportunity here to inform the House that my Ministry has already launched calls for drama Festival in Urdu and English language. The preliminaries are due to start in May 2026 with finals in June 2026. In addition, the Centres de Formation Artistique are offering the following courses in artistic fields such as music, dance, drama and arts till the end of May 2026 and new courses will start in September 2026. Needful is being done at the level of my Ministry to recruit some 30 additional part-time instructors in all artistic fields to deliver the courses. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me be very clear, the issue at end is not only one of infrastructure but one of national urgency. In a context where our youths are increasingly exposed to social ills including drug abuse and delinquency, it would be irresponsible for my Ministry and this Government to remain passive. Arts and culture provide structured engagement, purpose and discipline and form part of a broader strategy to safeguard our youths and strengthen social cohesion. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Government is also actively pursuing international partnerships including with India to secure the provision of musical instruments and technical support, thereby accelerating access to training without placing undue pressure on public finances. Furthermore, the forthcoming and NAOC will bring for the first time a coherent and strategic direction to the sector, ensuring that future investments in infrastructure are targeted, impactful and aligned with long-term national vision. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Government is not only committed to building infrastructure when resources permit. It is already delivering results expanding access and correcting years of systemic neglect. The objective is clear – to ensure that every young Mauritian with talents in the arts is given the opportunity, the space and the support to develop their talent.

Hon. First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix! VACOAS URBAN TERMINAL PROJECT – CONSTRUCTION – STATUS