Madam Speaker, with regard part(a) of the question, I am informed that there are currently 17 football grounds in the district of Black River. Out of these, 12 falls under the responsibility of the District Council of Black River, 3 are privately owned and 2 fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource. Out of the 17 football grounds, 16 are fully operational and in good condition while the Albion football ground is presently undergoing upgrading works. I am tabling the detailed list thereof indicating the location, ownership, operational status, condition and facilities available at each site. I am further informed that upgrading works at the Albion football ground comprising fencing and boundary wall construction, were awarded on 03 December 2025 for a contract sum of Rs5.7 million and are being implemented as scheduled with completion expected by end of April 2026. While most of the football grounds are operational, I wish to highlight that not all are equipped with complete amenities such as lighting, fencing, cloakroom, and ancillary facilities. These gaps have already been identified and are being addressed progressively through planned upgrading programmes and future budgetary provision. Madam Speaker, in regard to part (b) of the question, I am advised as follows, with respect to Le Morne, a project for the construction of a new football ground has been clearly identified and proposed under the capital project 2026-2027 for an estimated amount of Rs125 million. The project is comprehensive in nature and includes – • relocation of high voltage overhead cables; • construction of retaining walls; • draining system due to site constraints, • cut and fill works; • provision for full modern facilities, including fencing, lighting, bleachers, cloakroom, parking, and associated amenities. However, implementation of the project is subject to completion of land acquisition procedures, which are initiated since 2023, and are currently being processed at the level of the Ministry of Housing and Lands. This is a statutory prerequisite. Once same is finalised, the project will proceed without any further delay. I also wish to emphasise that in the meantime, residents of Le Morne are not deprived of access up to football ground. They are currently making use of an existing football ground within the locality. Madam Speaker, as regards Chamarel, I am informed that the project was initiated in October 2020, but encountered serious implementation issues, including non-performance of the initial contractor, which led to the termination of the contract in April 2022. Subsequently, the project was restructured and implemented in phases to safeguard public funds and ensure proper delivery. Works relating to drainage, retaining walls and partial boundary infrastructure have already been completed through subsequent contracts. I am further informed that the remaining components required to render the football ground fully operational include – • Completion of boundary wall; • Fencing on remaining sides; • Provision of lighting facilities; • Laying of top soil and grass, and • Construction of cloakroom, parking and associated amenities. In this regard, a provision of Rs25 million has been proposed under the capital project 2026-2027 to complete the outstanding works and ensure that the facility becomes fully operational. Madam Speaker, as regards Case Noyale, I am informed that the locality already has access to a football ground situated at Avenue Rose near volleyball pitch which is privately owned by South West Safari, but currently being used by the inhabitants. Similarly, with regard to Rivière Noire, I am informed that the region already benefits from two existing football grounds, namely at Grande Rivière Noire and Petite Rivière Noire. Both are under the responsibility of the District Council and are currently being used by the public. Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise that government is adopting a structured and responsible approach in the development of sports infrastructure, with projects being implemented in line with funds availability from the Ministry of Finance, under the capital project programme and based on the established priorities of the district council. In this regard, close collaboration at the local level remains essential. I would encourage the hon. Member to liaise with the Chairperson and the district council so that projects may be planned an implemented quickly in the best interests of the communities concerned.

Yes, hon. Jugurnauth!

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister aware that at the Tamarin Football Playground, there is a community health centre where every day, patients and doctors also use this as parking? The space is in a very bad condition, and the pitch also. Will the hon. Minister apply some rules? What will be done in the future?

Yes, hon. Minister!

Madam Speaker, for the Tamarin Football Ground, we have an upcoming project – fencing and boundary walls on one side only. I have all the information concerning the Tamarin Football Ground. If you come up with a substantive question in the next meeting, I can give you more information concerning this one.

Will that be okay? But regarding the question of parking of vehicles?

Sorry?

On the football ground.

Yes, but only the information that…

Are you aware?

No. We can check it.

Madam Speaker, concerning the project of Chamarel Football Ground, will the hon. Minister inform the House about the name of the contractor who carried out the work in 2020? What were the costs when he left the site?

I am allowing you because it is the same region, but how will the Minister know all this? I am not sure! It is not directly related.

Madam Speaker, for Chamarel, the contract was awarded to Pybig Construction Ltd. for an amount of Rs4.2 million.

I am sure everybody understands, but I do not. Does not matter! Are you happy with that answer?

Sure.

Okay, can we move on? I mean happy that he has given you an answer. Yes, hon. Second Member for Rodrigues! RODRIGUES - REGISTERED FARMERS & SUPPORT SCHEMES