Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the District Council of Black River that two contracts for street cleaning, refuse collection and disposal, including the carting away of post cyclonic waste within the District Council area, were signed on 29 May 2025 for the period of 01 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. The contracts were divided into two lots, namely – • Lot 1 awarded to Maxi Clean Company Limited, and • Lot 2 awarded to Atics Ltd. I am further informed that the contracts provide for twice weekly refuse collection services covering household refuse and green waste. They also include the collection of bulky wastes and cyclonic wastes whenever required. In addition, the contractors are responsible for herbiciding, spraying, mowing, lopping of branches up to 6 metres, cleaning of open drain and river banks, as well as sweeping activities throughout the district. With regard to part (b) of the question, Madam Speaker, I am informed that the contract awarded to Maxi Clean Company Limited for lot 1 amounts to Rs87,780,000, excluding VAT, representing Rs7,315,000, excluding VAT per month, for the period of 01 June 2025 to 31 May 2026. The contract awarded to Atics Ltd for lot 2 amounts to Rs77,280,000 excluding VAT, representing Rs6,440,000, excluding VAT per month, for the same period. The total value for both contracts, therefore, stands at Rs165,060,000 rupees, excluding VAT. With regard to part (c) of the question, I am informed that under the terms and conditions of the contracts, Maxi Clean Company Limited provides five tipper lorries and five compactors for lot 1, whilst Atics provides four tipper lorries and four compactors for lot 2. Accordingly, a total of nine tipper lorries and nine compactors are placed at the disposal of the council. I am informed that in the event of any mechanical breakdown, the contractors are contractually required to provide replacement vehicles so as to continue continuity of service delivery without disruption. With regard to part (d) of the question, I am informed that a total workforce of 258 personnel is currently deployed under both contracts. The manpower includes supervisors, foremen, refuse collectors, sweepers, drain cleaners, drivers, bush cutter and pole pruner operators, lawn mower operators, as well as herbicide sprayer. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that supervision and monitoring of the works are carried out by the Health Inspectorate of the Black River District Council. Any shortcomings observed are formally communicated to the contractors for immediate remedial action and where necessary, penalty clauses are applied in accordance with the contractual provision. With regard to part (e) of the question, I am informed that the areas covered under lot 1 operated by Maxi Clean Company Limited are – • Albion; • Gros Cailloux; • Canot; • Petite Rivière; • Riche Lieu; • Bambous, and • Flic en Flac. The areas covered under lot 2 operated by Atics Ltd are – • Case Noyale; • Petite Rivière Noire; • Baie du Cap; • Cascavelle; • Tamarin; • Grande Rivière Noire; • La Gaulette; • Le Morne, and • Chamarel. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that both contracts are due to expire on 31 May 2026. Approval has already been obtained from the Central Procurement Board for an extension up to 25%, representing a maximum period of three months and both contractors have agreed for the contract to continue on a month-to-month basis based on the under same terms and conditions so as to ensure that there is no disruption whatsoever in refuse collection and scavenging services within the District Council. In parallel, a new tender exercise for the period of three years, which will include segregation at source and enhanced service delivery requirements, is being finalised. I am informed that the bidding documents have already been vetted by the Central Procurement Board and the new procurement exercise will be launched shortly.

Thank you. Yes, one question!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In regards to lot 2 as per the reply the hon. Minister gave, I would like to know how many big and small lorries we have for Atics, if he has the information?

I doubt he will have that. You know, basically, we will have to think about if it is proper to ask the Minister such questions. We will have to think about that. Can we keep that for next time? Please find out.

I do have it, but it is not about that...

Okay. Let us just have it in writing. You table it.

Can I ask, Madam Speaker?

One more? Okay!

Will the hon. Minister consider bringing some small lorries in lot 2 area as all the roads are narrow. We have a lot of complaints that the lorries cannot access these roads.

I am sure you will consider, hon. Minister.

Madam Speaker, I take note of the request of the hon. Member. I will communicate the request to the council. I can ensure that this issue is addressed in the forthcoming tender exercise.

Of course. Yes!

Madam Speaker, will the hon. Minister consider carrying the works inhouse in the future?

Not privatisation, you mean? Yes!

You know, the council makes its own decision by the full council meeting.

Exactly!

So, I take note.

Exactly!

And I can convey the request to the respective council.

Hon. Members, I feel very strongly about these questions on local government. I am not sure it is proper. We will deal with this later. Hon. First Member for Vacoas & Floréal! MRS M. M. B. – MISSING BANLGLADESHI EMPLOYEE – INQUIRY & LABOUR CONDITIONS