Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Solid Waste Management Division of my Ministry had commissioned a feasibility study on the setting up and operation of an end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling facility in Mauritius for the depollution, dismantling and recycling of ELVs in June 2021 with the assistance of EU Africa Rise operating under the European Union. The main findings of the feasibility study are, amongst others, as follows – (a) The operation of the ELV recycling facility is feasible and sustainable. (b) There is a need to review the Road Traffic Act to enable the enforcement of payment of penalty fines by the polluter. (c) The need for new regulations to cater for both total loss and abandoned vehicles. (d) The need for relevant stakeholders, namely the Police Department, the Police de l’Environnement, the Ministry of Land Transport, and the National Land Transport Authority to review processes regarding the management of total loss vehicles and verification such vehicles by qualified persons. The House may further wish to note that currently there is no official management system or treatment facility for the recycling of these ELVs at the level of my Ministry. It is, therefore, imperative that we come up with a sustainable solution thereto in order to protect our population and our environment. My Ministry is working on that scope. Madam Speaker, following the feasibility study submitted in April 2023, multisectoral meetings were held with relevant stakeholders to discuss on the way forward. The following proposals were made, inter alia – (i) the preparation of regulations by the Solid Waste Management Division of my Ministry for the use of license for the setting up and operation of recycling facility for the depollution and recycling of ELVs; (ii) invitation by the Solid Waste Management Division to potential promoters to set up and operate licensed recycling facilities for ELVs, and (iii) amendment to existing regulations by the Ministry of Land Transport and preparation of regulation to channel the ELVs towards the licensed recycling facilities. The House may wish to note that with a view to encouraging environmentally sustainable management of ELVs, several actions have already been initiated by my Ministry and relevant stakeholders. The Solid Waste Management Division has prepared draft regulations for the licensing of a recycling facility for the depollution and recycling, treatment of ELVs. On the other hand, the Ministry of Land Transport has prepared a draft regulation to channel the ELVs to recycling treatment facilities. The Ministry of Land Transport has informed that they are working actively on the draft Road Traffic (Disposal of Abandoned and Salvaged Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2026 in consultation with my Ministry. The proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the identification, management and disposal of abandoned vehicles as well as vehicles classified as total loss. Abandoned vehicles are not only an eyesore, but represent a threat to the environment in view of the nuisances and pollution they can cause. As at to date, around 58 abandoned vehicles have been moved to Fort George, 108 to the La Laura Transfer Station by the Police Department, with the assistance of the Police de l’Environnement. It is expected that the forthcoming regulatory framework will lay the groundwork for more structured and environmentally sound material recovery practices, facilitating the development of appropriate vehicle dispensing and recycling mechanisms in line with national sustainability objectives.

Thank you. First, hon. Seeburn. Then, you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the hon. Minister. Can the hon. Minister also consider the possibility of providing financial incentives to the owners who want to dispose their vehicles in an environmentally friendly manner once the setting up of the recycling vehicle facility is put in place?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. We are working in that direction with all the parties concerned.

Okay. Hon. Lobine!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Minister whether there is a comprehensive study with regard to the number of end-of-life vehicles that we have around the island as at now? It is scattered all around the island, but we do not have a specific survey for that.

The survey is in process. I can assure the hon. Member. This is a real problem. It is an eyesore. So, we are working, not only by ourselves, but along with the local authorities.

I am just laughing because we know where to find these vehicles in Rose Hill. Yes!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I ask the hon. Minister, until the setting up of a recycling unit which will obviously take time, will his Ministry consider having a dedicated compound in certain areas of the country? Because these abandoned and old cars are eyesores, now being used as little drug dens and sometimes for cheap prostitution.

I do agree with my good friend. It is a real problem. We are working with the Police. We have been using the La Laura Centre and also a site at Fort George with the help of the Police. This is a real problem and I think that any suggestion from any hon. Member is most welcomed.

Okay! Let’s hope that the eyesores will go. Gradually, we will get rid of these eyesores. Mr Beechook, yes! You want to share the joke?

No, sorry Madam. B/103, please! TOURIST ENTERPRISE LICENSE – NIGHTCLUBS’ OPERATION