Madam Speaker, with your permission, I shall reply to Parliamentary Questions B/150 and B/160 together as they relate to the same subject matter. The Port Master Plan 2024, which focused on development needs up to 2050, was approved by the Board of the Mauritius Ports Authority on 18 March 2025. Based on cargo forecasts and changes in the port environment, seven infrastructural projects at the estimated cost of Rs56.3 billion have been recommended for implementation with a view to increasing the container handling capacity, improving productivity, port efficiency and operation. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the Mauritius Ports Authority has already initiated action for the implementation of three projects, namely – (a) the expansion of the existing terminal to accommodate additional container stacking yard and introduction of a new gate system to increase operational efficiency and capacity of the terminal. The Mauritius Ports Authority is finalising the bid documents for the procurement of consultancy services. The Request for Proposals is expected to be floated in April of this year. Works of a duration of 18 months are expected to start by the end of 2027; (b) the extension of the Cruise Jetty to accommodate larger cruise vessels. Again, an invitation for proposal for consultancy services through an Open International Bidding exercise was floated on 02 October 2025. Evaluation of the offers is in progress. Construction works of a duration of 18 months are expected to start by October 2027, and (c) prequalification document for the selection of contractors for the infrastructural development at Fort William over an extent of 55 hectares has been submitted to the Central Procurement Board on 17 March 2026 for their vetting prior to launching the pre-qualification of contractors’ exercise. Works of a duration of 15 months are expected to start by April 2027. In addition, the reconstruction of Quays B and C, presently occupied by the National Coast Guard, is being looked into. Two jetty projects would be financed by private promoters who would be operating at Fort George and Fort William. The Mauritius Ports Authority has already earmarked land of a total extent of three hectares at Fort George for the development of petroleum storage facilities. Procedures for the allocation of land are ongoing. As regards the proposed jetty at Fort William, same will be developed by the promoters of petroleum storage facilities. Madam Speaker, following my State Visit to India in September of last year, both Governments have agreed on a strategic partnership for the redevelopment and restructuring of the port in Mauritius. On 19 December 2025, Government agreed to the setting up of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Strategy for Port Development under the chair of the then Deputy Prime Minister. On 06 March 2026, Government agreed, in-principle, to the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to, inter alia – (a) opening of capital of the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd to Maersk Ltd and Mediterranean Shipping Company Ltd as minority shareholders of up to a threshold of 40%, subject to compliance with the Public Procurement Act and the Competition Act, and (b) the implementation of the Island Container Terminal project. Madam Speaker, the Island Container Terminal project comprises the construction of a breakwater to create a rather tranquil basin, if I may put it that way, in front of the present Mauritius Container Terminal, a navigation channel dredged up to 18 metres deep, a new container terminal of an area of 50 hectares and a quay of 1.2 km in length. The cost of the project, as per the Port Master Plan 2024, is estimated to be approximately Rs47.3 billion excluding VAT and the construction period is projected to be between 6 to 8 years. In addition to standard container operations, the project is planned as a multi-functional and future-oriented port development.

Thank you. Hon. Etwareea, are you okay? Hon. Lobine!

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, how will the role of the MPA as a landlord and regulator be preserved in the event of increased Private Sector participation in the development of the Port?

The Private Sector will be less than 50%.

Okay? One more?

Yes. And does the Port Master Plan incorporate green port initiative, as it is being done around the world, because as at now, our port is very near to a bird sanctuary as well. So, will this Master Plan englobe this green port initiative?

Yes, it will.

Okay, thank you. Now Mr Beechook! FOREIGN WORKERS – OVERSTAYING ISSUES – PREVENTIVE MEASURES