the incident whereby unstable boulders rolled onto the coastal road near Anse Raffin, in Rodrigues, on 05 Ap…
(No. B/434) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of National Infrastructure whether, in regard to the incident whereby unstable boulders rolled onto the coastal road near Anse Raffin, in Rodrigues, on 05 April 2026, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to whether an inquiry has been initiated into the causes thereof and, if so, indicate – (a) the outcome thereof and table copy of the report thereof, if any, and (b) whether consideration will be given for the planning of prevention measures for future works, including slope stabilisation and protective works, in close collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly that following the incident whereby unstable boulders rolled onto the coastal road near Anse Raffin, in Rodrigues, on 05 April 2026, a survey was conducted by the Deputy Chief Commissioner’s office. The findings of the survey indicate that the embankment is unstable over a stretch of approximately 115 metres with an average height of about 15 metres. The instability has been attributed to prolonged landslide and erosion over time. I wish to inform the House that the geotechnical unit of my Ministry as well as the Road Development Authority have not, as at date, received any formal request to investigate the matter. Nevertheless, my Ministry stands committed to carrying out the necessary investigations and providing appropriate technical guidance upon request from the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly that remedial works are being envisaged, including slope stabilisation through major earthworks and the construction of a masonry retaining wall. I am further apprised by the Geotechnical Unit of my Ministry that given the geomorphological characteristics of the area, the risk of recurrence remains significant and further assessments would be necessary to determine appropriate long-term mitigation measures. These include – (i) detailed geotechnical surveys to identify high-risk zones; (ii) construction of retaining structures where necessary; (iii) the installation of rockfall barriers, and (iv) afforestation and vegetation reinforcement along vulnerable slopes. The RDA has, on its part, indicated that it will continue to collaborate with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, under the existing framework of cooperation. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry remains committed to working closely with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to enhance the resilience and safety of road infrastructure in Rodrigues. As such, a team comprising officers from the Geotechnical Unit and the RDA would proceed shortly to Rodrigues for a survey.
Just to extrapolate on what the hon. Minister is saying, will the survey be carried out only on this specific site or will they be looking at the other susceptible landslide or unstable terrains around the island?
I am sure the hon. Member knows that we have a Memorandum of Understanding between the RDA and the RRA. So, if the RRA requests a survey in any region, since the geotechnical team and the RDA will be going there, it will be with much pleasure that I will ask them to carry out the survey where necessary.
If they do not do so, can I request same?
I beg your pardon?
If they do not request, can I request it? There are some problem sites, like Grand Baie and Baladirou. Can you look into it as well?
You can send a formal request to the Ministry.
Hon. Third Member for Montagne Blanche & Grand River South East! VAPING DEVICES – SENSITISATION & PREVENTION MEASURES