(8.02 p.m.) GRAND SABLE, B28 ROAD – BRIDGE UPGRADE WORKS

Merci, Madame la présidente. Madam Speaker, may I raise a matter of concern and draw the attention of the hon. Minister of National Infrastructure to an ongoing project, the upgrading of a bridge along B28 Road, Grand Sable, also known as Ruisseau Paresse Bridge. In fact, this contract, as I am given to understand, Madam Speaker, was awarded to Transinvest Construction Ltd., and the works had already started. However, for reasons not known to the public, the works have now been brought to a halt for months now, and this without any official communication to that effect. In the interim, only a temporary structure – a fragile temporary structure – has been erected for public use, which does not, unfortunately, provide adequate safety. Now, numerous concerns have been raised to my two hon. colleague MPs and myself by the inhabitants of the locality, and since we are talking of a bridge along the coastal area, there is a strong fear that in the event of heavy rainfall, the temporary bridge may collapse. The water level may rise rapidly causing potential overflow. Soil, mud and debris may be carried out, carried into, into nearby residential areas, and houses and properties may be flooded and damaged. Given this state of affairs which poses a, a threat, a potential threat to the safety and health of the inhabitants. I would humbly invite the hon. Minister to kindly look into as a matter of celerity, please. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Minister. Urgent matter.

Madam Speaker, in line with the recommendation of the Land Drainage Authority, the existing bridge opening of approximately 13.54 m2 is being replaced by a new reinforced concrete structure having an opening area of approximately 15.75 m2. The project had undergone some delays and the reasons for the delays are normally new traffic diversion scheme adjacent to existing bridge, obtaining additional land for traffic diversion, major works for traffic diversion in marshy lands, relocation and protection of utility services, MT, CEB and CWA, provision for pedestrian crossing using steel structure. In view of the substantial unforeseen works associated with the implementation of the temporary diversion, the contractor has submitted claims for additional costs incurred in relation thereto. Following disagreements on the matter, the contractor has suspended construction works on site as from February 26. The RDA maintains that as per the contractual obligation and conditions of contract, the contractor is not entitled to suspend the works. The Authority has, therefore, engaged in discussions with the contractor with a view to resume work at the earliest possible. And in the same vein, Madam Speaker, I am calling a meeting between the RDA, the contractor and myself on Thursday, the day after tomorrow, in my office, to sort out the matter and to decide on the way forward.

Okay. Thank you. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger! (8.05 p.m.) TAKAMAKA BRIDGE, AVENUE JOHN KENNEDY – WIDENING

Je vous remercie. Ma requête s'adresse à l'honorable Premier ministre et concerne les travaux d'agrandissement du pont Takamaka à l'avenue John Kennedy. Au-delà du fait que les habitants soient dans le flou concernant la date de fin des travaux et que les petits commerces souffrent de la fermeture de la route, les habitants subissent aussi les énormes embouteillages dus aux travaux. Il avait été convenu qu'une présence policière assurerait le trafic, surtout au niveau de Sadally et de l'avenue John Kennedy elle-même, mais ce n'est malheureusement pas le cas. Donc, je demande à l'honorable Premier ministre de bien vouloir s'assurer d'une présence policière quotidienne, en particulier le matin et l'après-midi, pour soulager les habitants de la circonscription numéro 16. Je vous remercie.

It is with regard to police.

Yes. Je remercie l'honorable membre. Je me demandais pourquoi m'adresser quand j'étais ici.

Oui, moi aussi.

Mais je comprends maintenant. C'est le trafic et la police.

La sécurité ; question de sécurité!

Je vais certainement en parler au Commissaire de police.

You will do the needful? I am sorry, I could not hear. You will do the needful. Thank you everybody! At 8.07 p.m. the Assembly was, on its rising, adjourned to Friday 29 May 2026 at 3.30 p.m.