Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the hon. Member for this question regarding the development and construction of the Vacoas Urban Terminal Project. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the request for proposals for this project was launched on 13 February 2024 and closed on 14 May 2024. Since the closure of the bidding exercise, no letter of award has been issued, no promoter has been selected and no contractual agreement has been entered into. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, for public procurement is governed by the strict principal of fairness, transparency, value for money and due diligence. In this context, I wish to emphasise that under the Clause 14 of the request for proposal – Government reserves the right to amend, vary or withdraw the process at any time without incurring any liability. Subsequently, in the absence of any award of contract, there exist no legal obligations towards any bidder nor financial liability accrued to Government. This position is fully in line with established procurement rules and supported by the legal advice. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am aware that correspondence and representations have been received from interested parties including joint venture entities. However, such exchange form part of a normal clarification process in any procurement exercise. They do not constitute any commitment, undertaking or promise to by Government nor do they confer any right or entertainment to any party. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the request for proposals set out stringent and comprehensive requirements. Bidders are required to submit preliminary conceptual designs, detailed business plans, feasibility studies and financial structures. They must also demonstrate the financial capacity to mobilise financing of the order of Rs800 million, provide audited financial statements and annual report for the last five consecutive years and show proven experience in project of similar scale and complexity. Given the magnitude, complexity and financial implication of this project, it would have been premature and contrary to good governance, to proceed with any award without ensuring full compliance with these requirements and without a thorough evaluation in accordance with procurement rules. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Government is therefore also undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of the project. This includes ensuring proper integration with National Transport Planning Framework, alignment with the requirements of key stakeholders such as the National Land Transport Authority and strict compliance with the bus station and taxi stand requirements. It also involves a review of the technical specification and operational model as well as a reassessment of the financial structure to ensure long-term sustainability and value for money. This ongoing process explains why no further updates have been issued at this stage to certain stakeholders. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the position is clear. The project has not been cancelled; no promoter has been selected – the Government retains for discretion under the request for proposal. Any decision to proceed with taken only after the completion of all legal, technical, financial and administrative evaluation in full compliance with government policies.

Yes, hon. Member!

Yes. May I ask the hon. Minister in as much as there is no clear-cut policy, whether this is being shelved or you are being ahead with the Vacoas Urban Terminal, may we know the timeframe as to what proposals Government will come forward because in this region, the lands that were being earmarked are being used for the time being to cater for traffic problems within the Vacoas Market Fair. So, is there any clear-cut policy in the near future for this Vacoas Urban Terminal, whether it is going or not?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, far from any delay or inaction from the Ministry, this matter is being handled with the utmost diligence and responsibility. It will be in a very transparent and in the best of the public. By the way, if traffic condition is in Vacoas, we can clear with the Council, upon availability of fund, we can clear the land for the additional parking space for the market.

Okay. The hon. Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes, carry on! NTC – COUNTERFEIT SPARE PARTS PROCUREMENT – INQUIRY