Thank you very much. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that the plot of land referred to at Riche Terre in Terre Rouge is in fact State land, currently leased to a private company under a 60-year lease expiring on 30 of June 2073. The question of assessment for housing development therefore in respect of that site does not arise. I must also add, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that this is a site that is found in a totally industrial area, as the hon. Member is well aware. And it would not be proper to consider putting a housing development of this nature, as suggested by the hon. Member, in the middle of an industrial zone. That would not be proper and it would be an insult to those we may contemplate giving houses to. So that is the answer. Thank you.

Yes, do you have a supplementary?

I have been hearing that currently, this plot of land is being transformed into a dumping area. May I request the hon. Minister whether consultation can be carried out with the Ministry of Environment so that proper works can be done to prevent this site from being further degraded? Thank you.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the hon. Member has put this supplementary question, I may add the following. The company in question that holds the industrial lease, was for running a factory of manufacture of wax, grease, lubricants for sewing machines, engines, power generators, mechanical and electrical equipment over part of State land at Riche Terre. And that was dating back to 2013. Now, the Ministry was informed that as at 05 November 2024 by the Receiver-Manager, that is Price Waterhouse Coopers, that the company is now in receivership. As it stands, I am informed that the Receiver-Manager has contacted my Ministry for the proposed transfer of the above-mentioned lease to a new company altogether which has decided to purchase the assets or the leasehold rights. Now, rent for the site has been paid up to 30 June 2020, and a Notice has been issued to the lessee on 01 June 2026 to pay all the outstanding rent, not later than 30 June, which is today, failing which, the Ministry will consider cancellation. So, as it stands, the person responsible is the Administrator, even for cleaning of that plot of land. So, since there is a new person coming in, that will be taking over the place, most probably you will agree with me, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that there would be no issue of dumping or whatsoever in the near future. SADC PROTOCOLS – RATIFIED & DOMESTICATED