Madam Speaker, the Papers have been laid on the Table – A. Office of the President The Annual Report 2025 of the National Human Rights Commission. B. Prime Minister’s Office Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications Ministry of Finance Ministry for Rodrigues and Outer Islands (a) Certificate of Urgency in respect of The National Research and Innovation Institute Bill ( No. IV of 2026). (In Original) (b) The Compliance Audit Report on the Social Integration and Empowerment of Vulnerable Households – Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty - Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (March 2026). (In Original) C. Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning The Annual Report 2024/2025 for the Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning. D. Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection (a) The Consumer Protection (Control of Price of Taxable and Non-taxable Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 2026.(Government Notice No. 32 of 2026) (b) The Rodrigues Consumer Protection (Control of Price of Taxable and Non- taxable Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. (Government Notice No. 33 of 2026) (c) The Consumer Protection (Control of Price of Taxable and Non-taxable Goods) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2026.(Government Notice No. 34 of 2026) (d) The Rodrigues Consumer Protection (Control of Price of Taxable and Non- taxable Goods) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2026. (Government Notice No. 35 of 2026) E. Ministry of Local Government The Annual Report and Report of the Director of Audit on the Financial Statements of the District Council of Savanne for the year ended 30 June 2024. (In Original) PMO & MOF – SENIOR ADVISERS & ADVISERS – DEC 2024-MARCH 2026 The Leader of the Opposition (Mr G. Lesjongard) (by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Finance respectively, he will state – (a) the names, position, qualifications and salaries of the Senior Advisers and Advisers appointed thereat, since December 2024 to date, indicating the board of any parastatal body or Government-owned company on which they are members and the allowances drawn, and (b) whether there are other nominees attached to the said offices.

Yes, hon. Prime Minister!

Madam Speaker, in regard to part (a) of the question, I was just looking through the list, perhaps it might be better if I table the information requested by the hon. Leader of the Opposition, unless you want me to read it. It’s a long list. Not so many people, but the qualifications and all this. I will lay it on the Table of the Assembly. In relation to membership of Boards of parastatal bodies or Government-owned companies, there are currently only two Advisers who are appointed in that capacity. One is Mr Rakesh Bhuckory, Chief of Staff/Senior Adviser; he is also serving as Director of the Economic Development Board, drawing a monthly board fee of Rs40,000 since 31 March 2025, and also, Dr. Takesh Luckho as Chairperson of the State Trading Corporation, drawing an all-inclusive monthly allowance of Rs44,250, since 03 February 2025. Madam Speaker, I wish to refer the hon. Leader of the Opposition to the statement I made to the House at our Sitting on 25 June 2025 wherein I pointed out, that except in a couple of cases, where Advisers are serving on Boards and Committees, I have given strict instructions not to have any other Adviser to serve on Boards and Committees, that is, from 25 June 2025. These two Advisers were appointed before that date. Madam Speaker, it would be apposite for me to explain the rationale of this decision. The House will recall that under the former Government, Advisers were allowed to serve on numerous Boards where they were earning revenues which were very often much higher than their salaries. Let me give you a few examples where Advisers were authorised to make such a gross abuse of their membership on Boards and Committees – (i) Mr Ballah, who was drawing a salary of Rs163,250 as Special Adviser, was also appointed as Chairperson/Director of – • Mauritius Revenue Authority; • SBM (Bank Holdings) Ltd; • Mauritius Telecom; • Multi-Carrier (Mauritius) Ltd; • Metro Express Ltd; • SBM Africa Holdings Ltd; • SBM Bank (Kenya) Limited (paid in US dollars, not rupees); • Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd, and • Rodrigues Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd. I can give you many other examples, Madam Speaker. (ii) Mr Prakash Maunthrooa, Special Adviser, who was drawing Rs132,000 per month and Rs20,000 as extra duty allowance, was also Chairperson of – • Airports of Mauritius Co Ltd; • Airport Terminal Operations Ltd, and • Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd. He was also a member of numerous Boards and Committees including – • 9 committees of SBM Holdings Ltd; • State Insurance Company of Mauritius Ltd (SICOM) and two of its sub- committees; • Air Mauritius Ltd; • Air Mauritius Holdings Ltd; • Airmate Ltd, and • Mauritius Helicopter Ltd. (iii) There is Mr Kreedeo Bheekharry, Special Adviser, who was drawing a salary of Rs119,500. He was also appointed on the Board of the following – • Gambling Regulatory Authority; • Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd; • Rodrigues Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd; • Airport of Rodrigues Ltd, and • Pointe Coton Resort Hotel Co. Ltd; • Metro Express Ltd. I could go on and on, Madam Speaker, and refer to many other such cases. I should also highlight that Mr Prakash Maunthrooa, Special Adviser, who sat on 14 Boards and 7 Committees, drew Rs15 million between the period January 2015 to November 2024. Rs15 million! An hon. Member: Ena beze la!

Mr Nayen Koomar Ballah, Special Adviser, sat on 9 Boards and drew a total of Rs7.5 million during period February 2023 to November 2024. Mr Kreedeo Beekharry, Senior Adviser, sat on 6 Boards and 3 Committees and he drew a total of Rs16 million from March 2015 to November 2025. Mr Ken Arian, Senior Adviser, sat on 7 Boards and 4 Committees and he drew a total of Rs11.3 million during the period February 2018 to September 2021. There are other names, I could keep going on. May I also draw the attention of the House that under the former regime, there were 31 Senior Advisers/Advisers attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Quoi? 31!

And from 2015 to 2024, there were 14 attached to the Ministry of Finance.

Malgre sa li’nn koul pei la!

And, Madam Speaker, in regard to part (b) of the question, I wish to state that there are no other nominees attached to my Office.

Yes, your first supplementary!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the population wants to know what is happening now at the Prime Minister’s Office; not what happened before.

(Interruptions)

Madam Speaker, ...

(Interruptions)

Let him...

The hon. Prime Minister mentioned his Chief of Staff. Can we be informed what are his duties, Madam Speaker?

These are defined already, Madam Speaker, that is what a Chief of Staff does. He looks at... I can give you the details if you want but it will take time. His duties are – • He has to provide clarification or insight into specific public projects; • He is also involved in analytical, practical and problem solving in nature; in other words, to help initiatives forwarded by the Prime Minister’s Office. And also, to adjust the needs and concerns of those affected, in other words also, people come and see him for other things.

Yes, second!

Yes, Madam Speaker, recently the Chief of Staff expressed himself in the press, can the hon. Prime Minister confirm if he was the subject of severe criticisms from the former Deputy Prime Minister and may we know what were the subjects of those criticisms?

(Interruptions)

He was...

(Interruptions)

Chut! Let the hon. Prime Minister reply, please!

He was subject to criticism from the former Deputy Prime Minister. Yes, he was. The former Deputy Prime Minister thought that he was on the EDB Board and that he was interfering in that Board.

Madam Speaker, can the hon. Prime Minister state if his Chief of Staff is, in fact, a member of the infamous gang de 5 as expressed by the former Deputy Prime Minister?

(Interruptions)

That, Madam Speaker, is a fiction of their imagination. There is no such gang. There are people whom I know, who have come to see me in my office. It does not mean they are working for me. I meet many people, including people who have worked very closely to me for the ten years, when people didn’t even want to see me, were turning their backs; these people were there. So, I am not going to stop seeing them, but there is not any gang of 5 as you mentioned.

(Interruptions)

Your former Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that.

Don’t talk while sitting.

(Interruptions)

Carry on, fourth question!

Li envi kone ki minis ti retourn Rs 5million…? Sa ki bisin koner.

Hon. Jhummun!

Madam Speaker, can the hon. Prime Minister confirm whether one, Mr Kumar Cahoolessur, is attached to his office and what are his duties?

Yes, he is a man who does a lot of work. He is very able to do a lot of things, but I do get difficulties with him, I must say. In fact, at one point, I did ask him to leave the office of PMO. And then, many people from the Party, actually asked me to be a bit kinder; there was no need to ask him to leave. So, I asked him to come back in a different position but again, he seems to be interfering in some things. I have asked him, again, to go somewhere else.

Fifth question.

It’s your decision, hon. Prime Minister. Hon. Prime Minister, can you inform the House whether, the former Deputy Prime Minister and a Minister informed you about a case where allegations of corruption were made against that Mr K.C.?

The former Deputy Prime Minister mentioned this to me. I did ask the Minister and he completely denied it. He said it was misunderstood. There was not a case of corruption but somebody came to see him to try to influence him on an enquiry on a government school and the enquiry is going on there.

The former Deputy Prime Minister stated that it was a case of corruption.

No, don’t! Question! Question!

Now, can the hon. Prime Minister confirm to the House whether, the Minister who went to complain to the former Deputy Prime Minister, is his Minister for Education, hon. Dr. Gungapersad?

Nou pe koz qualification of advisers la.

…whether the Minister complained to whom? I did not hear the question.

To the former Deputy Prime Minister. I don’t know if you would know.

The Minister told me that it was misunderstood. There was somebody who came to see him in his office to try to influence him on something going on in the education sector. He threw him out and there is an enquiry going on in this.

Okay, that was more or less the same question.

Yes. Thank you. Madam Speaker, has the hon. Prime Minister found out from the hon. Minister as to why he reported the case of alleged corruption to the former Deputy Prime Minister and not to you, hon. Prime Minister?

That you will have to ask him but I can say that…

You did not ask him?

Don’t question from a sitting position!

I didn’t ask him, but it is the former Deputy Prime Minister who actually called him and wanted to know something. He gave him the details about one school in the education sector and this is why he gave the answer. But he didn’t say; he thinks he was misunderstood.

Okay. Let’s move on. Next question!

Madam Speaker, can we know from the hon. Prime Minister whether, the hon. Minister for Education made a statement to the Financial Crimes Commission about this case?

There is an enquiry already going on, Madam Speaker.

Did the hon. Prime Minister say that there is an ongoing enquiry by the Financial Crimes Commission?

No, not by the Financial Crimes Commission; by the police.

By the police. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he has informed the Financial Crimes Commission of this case?

Why do I have to inform the FCC if police enquiry is going on, not on the substance of what he is saying but on something else concerning the same person?

Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I have given you a lot of leeway but your supplementary must be related to your main question.

(Interruptions)

It is related to the advisers at the ministry…!

Not quite! Not quite! Try and be more, plus pointu.

I am, Madam Speaker. The hon. Minister for Social Security expressed very serious concerns with regard to corruption, stating that it is worse than what the former Deputy Prime Minister stated. Will the hon. Prime Minister consider, since his office is concerned, reviewing all nominations made at the level of the PMO since both, that is, the former Deputy Prime Minister and the actual Minister for Social Security, targeted your office, hon. Prime Minister?

I don’t recall the hon. Minister for Social Security targeting my office. We are being very stringent, Madam Speaker. We said that there will be zero tolerance on corruption. Even if it is nothing compared to what happened during the MSM regime, but still, we have to try to weed out those who are corrupt.

Yes, I think your sixth question, maybe.

I will be completing, Madam Speaker. The hon. Prime Minister has stated several times that our economy will be severely affected due to war and also due to the trou de R 10 milliards. And during, Madam Speaker, my last two PNQs, he refused, when I put the question to him, to revert back to allocations that were being given to workers of this country. Can the hon. Prime Minister inform the House whether, the salaries of Advisers, Senior Advisers and, also, maybe Members of this House, will be reduced due to the negative effects of the war on our economy, Madam Speaker?

Yes, hon. Prime Minister.

I must tell the hon. Leader of the Opposition that – he might not be aware – we have not increased the salary since quite a while. Not only that, we have given the PRB. There are anomalies now that are arising even with the Members of Parliament. There are anomalies, which I think, should be corrected. But you must realise that the Advisers are not getting anything. I just mentioned a few, like what they were getting before. They were getting fortunes, millions; it is not the case anymore.

The hon. Prime Minister confirmed that some persons, who are not Advisers, have regular access to his office. Can he …

(Interruptions)

That is what he said!

But that is not related to the …

My question, Madam Speaker, can he confirm whether theses persons are allowed to give instructions to public officers?

(Interruptions)

I don’t know who he is referring to but I can tell you…

Hon. Prime Minister, he is referring to your answer earlier on, that people come and see you. That’s all.

Yes, people can come and see me as much as they want, if I have time.

But let me reassure the hon. Leader of the Opposition – maybe he does not know me very well – I take my own decisions.

Let me give an example, Madam Speaker. For example, there was one Mr K.C., the same Mr K.C., who had access to areas reserved for VVIPs – I will give you an example – at the receptorium of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport during the arrival ceremony of the President of Seychelles.

I am trying to work out who is K.C. I think I have guessed who it is.

Mr Kumar Cahoolessur!

Yes, but he works in my office. He is allowed to come there.

So, he works in your office?

Yes.

He is paid for that, also, for working in your office?

Of course. He is one of the advisers in my office.

(Interruptions)

You did not know?

I am done, Madam Speaker.

You have finished. Okay, thank you. B/149! Yes. PALMAR PUBLIC BEACH – INCIDENTS OF 25 JAN 2026 – POLICE INTERVENTION (No. B/149) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the incidents of 25 January 2026 at Palmar Public Beach, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to – (a) when was the request for police intervention received, indicating what followed; (b) the reported number of persons present and allegedly contravening public order and noise pollution legislation, indicating the number thereof arrested and provisionally charged; (c) why reinforcement was not mobilised, and (d) the measures being contemplated to enhance law enforcement and maintenance of public order on public beaches.

Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that on Sunday 25 January 2026 at about 15:50 hours, an anonymous call was received at the Trou d’Eau Douce Police Station requesting Police intervention at Palmar Public Beach, where loud music was being played from several vehicles parked thereat, thereby causing a nuisance. A team from the Trou d’Eau Douce Police Station proceeded to Palmar Public Beach at around 16:00 hours. Upon arrival, Police Officers noticed several vehicles parked at the site, including one white car with its boot opened and playing very loud music. Whilst the Police Officers were making enquiries regarding the owner of the said vehicle, several persons who were nearby and consuming alcoholic beverages became hostile and attempted to obstruct the officers in the execution of their duties. At around 17:00 hours, the Police Officers accordingly sought reinforcement and teams from the Emergency Response Service, the Police du Tourisme and the Divisional Support Unit called to the location at around 18:15 hours to assist the officers. With regard to parts (b) and (c) of the question, when Police Officers were attempting to establish contraventions, a crowd of around 250 persons gathered and some uttered abusive words towards the Police and threw empty beer bottles as well as sand towards them and the Police vehicles. One Police vehicle was slightly damaged. In these circumstances, the Police Officers adopted a measured approach with a view to avoiding direct confrontation with the hostile crowd, which was around 250, as I said. No arrests could be effected at that time. The Police Officers withdrew from the immediate vicinity while maintaining a Police presence from a distance. The crowd actually dispersed at around 20:30 hours, following which, the Police Officers also left the spot. Following subsequent enquiries conducted on 26 and 27 January 2026, twelve persons were arrested in connection with the incident. Out of these, eight were provisionally charged for the offence of “Rebellion” and one for “Rogue and Vagabond”, whilst three persons were released after enquiry. Four persons were also contravened for playing loud music. I have requested the Commissioner of Police to complete the enquiry at the earliest. As regards part (d) of the question, I wish to inform the House that the Police is now deploying a contingent of the Special Mobile Force together with the Divisional Support Unit, Emergency Response Service and Police du Tourisme as well as Police de l’Environnement every Sunday from 12:00 hours to 20:00 hours at the main public beaches. Madam Speaker, as I mentioned last week, we are also looking into the possibility of increasing the fine. Even though it is rather high, we think it should be increased. And as I mentioned last week in my reply, I think PQ B/78, we will not tolerate that Police Officers are sworn at and distracted while performing their police duties. People must respect the uniform of that Police Officer who is doing a public duty. The law will be strengthened and be made more severe.

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Yes!

Madam Speaker, the first question, if you will allow, is firstly why was it deemed appropriate to allow those persons, who, according to the hon. Prime Minister, himself, were consuming alcohol, were violent, had been rebelling against Police Officers so much so that they were impuissants.

Please put your question!

The question being: why was it deemed appropriate to let these persons simply go on that night? Why was the SMF and the SSU not mobilised there and then, when it was obvious that the ratio of Police Officers to violent individuals was very much off?

As I explained, Madam Speaker, the Police wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with about 250 persons. By the time the SMF would come, they decided, on the spot, that it is better not to have this confrontation now, but they will get these people through the various systems that they have. And they did.

So, they are wise after the event?

Yes.

Of course!

May I ask?

Yes. No statements!

Yes. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister: is he aware that apparently – and maybe he can confirm –, there have been further incidents there at Palmar since this incident? Is he aware of same?

I am not aware of any further incident, Madam Speaker.

The last question, Madam Speaker. Thank you.

Yes!

Madam Speaker, I have been repeating it time and time again…

No, no! Question! Question!

…for specialised units. I am glad to hear that it will now be done. My plea, however, to the hon. Prime Minister is that 20:00 hours is too early.

Put a question!

Will the hon. Prime Minister consider, therefore, extending the time that the SMF and other specialised unit will be on duty at main public beaches to over 20:00 hours? In fact, I would ask him to at least 12 p.m.

12 p.m.? Okay. 12 p.m.

I will pass on this suggestion to the Commissioner of Police.

Okay, next question! Hon. Third Member for Grand Baie and Poudre d'Or! PORT LOUIS HARBOUR – NEW MASTER PLAN – IMPLEMENTATION STATUS (No. B/150) Mr R. Etwareea (Third Member for Grand’ Baie & Poudre d'Or) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the implementation of the New Master Plan for the Port Louis Harbour, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauritius Ports Authority, information as to where matters stand.

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 (No. B/151) Mr R. Beechook (Second Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to foreign workers, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Passport and Immigration Office, information as to the – (a) number thereof having overstayed their respective residence and/or work permit, nationality-wise, and (b) measures being taken to prevent overstaying of such workers.

Madam Speaker, I shall reply to Parliamentary Questions B/151 and B/158 together, as they relate to the same subject matter. In regard to part (a) of the questions, I am informed that as at 27 March 2026, 64,165 foreign workers are employed in Mauritius, of whom 50,234 are holders of work permits under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act and 13,931 are holders of occupation permits under the Immigration Act. The main sectors in which they are employed include manufacturing, construction, agriculture, tourism, and SMEs. I am also informed by the Passport and Immigration Office that as at 27 March 2026, 6,926 foreign workers, are overstaying in Mauritius. The details are as follows – (i) 2,819 have been reported as missing by their employers and their work permits have been cancelled; (ii) 2,698 have expired work permits and are awaiting renewal thereof, and (iii) 1,409 have expired work permits and no applications for renewal were submitted. I am tabling the nationalities of the overstaying foreign workers. Madam Speaker, as at 27 March 2026, 6,656 foreign students hold valid residence permits. Foreign students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week without the need for any work permit. The Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations is considering to review the existing policy to require concerned institutions to apply for work permits to allow foreign students to work for a maximum period of 20 hours. With regard to part (b) of the questions, the Tracing and Tracking Team of the Passport and Immigration Office in collaboration with other units and branches of the Police Force do regular crackdown operations throughout the island. For the year 2025, 97 such operations were carried out resulting in the arrest and repatriation of 944 foreigners. Since the beginning of this year, 24 crackdown operations were carried out and 151 foreigners were repatriated. Madam Speaker, to ensure compliance by employers within the current legislations, I am informed that the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations is not issuing new work permits unless and until the concerned employers have taken the necessary measures to renew the expired work permits of foreign workers or to repatriate them. Madam Speaker, my Government is very concerned about the problem of foreign workers overstaying in the country and is coming up with the following measures to address the matter – (i) a combined work and residence permit with the inclusion of a QR code, which would allow labour inspectors or Police to verify the real-time status of the work and residence permits during surprise visits. (ii) A rules-based work permit system will be implemented which would also include an accreditation framework for employers to make them more responsible and liable for the foreign workers they recruit.

Yes, hon. Beechook! Are you okay? Hon. Rookny first! Oh, I am sorry, is it all right?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Could the hon. Prime Minister please advise the House what problems are the Police or PIO having in policing these overstaying workers?

It is a good question. The problem is: they seem to disappear in thin air. So, the Police are looking for them. I have also asked the Commissioner of Police, in fact, to strengthen the crack team that is doing the work in cooperation, including the SMF, if need be.

Yes, hon. Leader of the Opposition!

Madam Speaker, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister to confirm the following: in reply to a PQ, the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations stated that some 3,000 cases of illegal employment have been regularised. Do we understand that they have made something illegal legal?

Employees.

No, no. Very often, what happens is that they have submitted their application for a permit – if I am not mistaken – and it’s been going through the system.

Okay, we have finished with that issue. Hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière. APPRENTICE JOCKEYS & JOCKEYS – GRANTING OF LICENCES – INSURANCE REQUIREMENT (No. B/152) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the granting of licences to local and international apprentice jockeys and jockeys respectively, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Gambling Regulatory Authority, information as to the type of insurance required therefor, indicating – (a) the monthly or yearly premium applicable category-wise, and (b) if there is an age limit for apprentice jockeys and, if so, give the reasons therefor.

Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that as per Section 22.2 of the Rules of Racing 2024, any jockey and apprentice jockey is mandatorily required to have an insurance cover. Although the Rules do not specify the type of cover, insurance taken for jockeys and apprentice jockeys, both local and international, are usually of two types namely, personal accident and health catastrophe cover. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that it is the responsibility of the horse racing organiser, currently the MTC Jockey Club Ltd, to arrange for the insurance cover, which is then billed to the jockey and apprentice jockey. I am informed that under the previous Government, People’s Turf PLC, did not provide for insurance cover for the jockeys and apprentice jockeys for both 2023 and 2024, the period during which it was, that is, the PLC was the horse racing organiser, and this was against the principles of the Gambling Revenue Authority and, to which the latter, I must say, turned a completely blind eye but they did not do anything about it. The annual premium for the personal accident cover is as follows – • Rs 172,500 for a local jockey and an apprentice jockey, and • Rs 87,500 for a foreign jockey. The annual premium for the health insurance is Rs14,244 for both a local jockey and the apprentice jockey. Concerning part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that as per Section 20 of the Rules of Racing 2024, a person can apply for an apprentice jockey licence if that person is aged 16 years or more. This is, I believe, the international practice. Furthermore, this age limit is in line with Section 10 of the Workers’ Rights Act which provides that a person is considered to be of full age and capacity to enter into an employment contract only if the person is aged 16 years or more.

Madame la présidente…

Yes, yes.

Merci. L’honorable Premier ministre peut-il expliquer à la Chambre, sachant que les difficultés que rencontrent les jockeys et apprentis mauriciens pour gagner leur vie, pourquoi la prime d’assurance est beaucoup plus élevée que celle qui concerne les jockeys étrangers, pratiquement le double si j’ai bien compris la réponse du Premier ministre ?

This is precisely because, it is felt that they already have an insurance from wherever they are coming. That is, a foreign jockey already has an assurance which covers them. So, this is why it is lower.

Okay!

L’honorable Premier ministre trouve-t-il normale de demander aux jockeys et apprentis mauriciens de débourser en une seule tranche R172 000 pour une prime d’assurance qui leur permet d’avoir leur licence alors qu’on aurait pu leur facilité la tâche en les faisant payer en mensualité, en plusieurs tranches. N’est-ce pas là enlever la chance au mauriciens de pouvoir exercer leur métier en toute quiétude ? L’honorable Premier ministre prendra-t-il toute cette question avec la GRA ? Pourquoi ne pas demander à la GRA, par exemple, de subventionner cette prime d’assurance en partie ?

I am not sure that the GRA can subsidise them but I could ask them whether it is possible to pay it in tranches if that is what you are saying. I could ask them. I do not know whether it is feasible or not because it is the insurance company at the end of the day which will decide.

Okay, fair enough. Now we have the hon. First Member for Savanne and Black River! DRINK DRIVING – REPORTED CASES – PREVENTIVE MEASURES (No. B/153) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to drink driving, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to the number of reported cases thereof since 01 January 2026 to date, indicating the number thereof wherein the suspects are at their second and third offences, respectively and actions being contemplated to prevent such situations.

Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that for the period 01 January 2026 to 27 March 2026, a total of 650 cases of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol were detected by the Police. Out of these 650 cases, I am informed that 46 suspects are at their second offence, 5 are at their third offence and 2 at their fourth offence. As regards the actions being contemplated to prevent repeating such offences, I am informed that the Police are intensifying targeted enforcement operations, including alcotest checks, vehicle checkpoints and patrols at high-risk periods and locations, whilst also pursuing public awareness and sensitisation campaigns to discourage drink driving and promote responsible behaviour. Madam Speaker, over and above these measures, Government has already announced that stringent actions are being taken, and will continue to be taken, against all forms of road traffic offences. In fact, the Road Traffic Act has recently been amended to reintroduce the penalty points system which provides for stricter sanctions, including automatic disqualification upon accumulation of penalty points. These amendments also include longer periods of licence suspension for repeated offenders, and tougher fines and penalties for serious traffic offences. Additionally, the Ministry of Land Transport is currently working on a new piece of legislation whereby vehicles of persons booked for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be immediately impounded. The Commissioner of Police will be empowered to make ex-parte application to a Judge in Chambers for the immediate suspension of driving licences in such cases.

Yes, are you alright? Okay, now I have the Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue, Mr Caserne! REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT – EXISTING VACANCIES – FILLING OF POSTS (No. B/154) Mr L. Caserne (Third Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Registrar General’s Department, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the existing vacancies thereat, grade-wise, indicating the expected date of filling thereof.

Madam Speaker, there are currently 14 vacant positions at the Registrar-General’s Department in different grades. This includes 6 vacancies in the grade of Registration Officer and Senior Registration Officer. The post, Madam Speaker, was advertised by the Public Services Commission in October 2023, that is, just one year prior to the elections. Following a selection exercise, by way of letter dated 01 October 2024 which was received by the Registrar-General’s Department on 04 October 2024, the PSC submitted the names of 8 candidates to be appointed. However, following the dissolution of National Assembly on 04 October 2024, the Department stayed action on this issue and the PSC re-advertised the posts on 30 July 2025 and as at date, recruitment process is still underway at the level of the PSC. The remaining 8 vacancies are as follows – (a) One Principal Financial Operations Officer; (b) One Financial Operations Officer/ Senior Financial Operations Officer; (c) Three Assistant Financial Operations Officers; (d) One Assistant Procurement and Supply Officer; (e) One Management Support Officer, and (f) One Confidential Secretary. These grades fall under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms. Action has already been initiated for the filling of these vacancies. Madam Speaker, there is still a backlog at the level of the PSC and this is why it is taking so much time to fill vacancies in general in the public service.

Thank you. Yes, are you alright? Yes, Mr Beejan, last question! EXPORT ORIENTED (GOODS) ENTERPRISES – WAGE SUPPORT LOAN SCHEME – TERMS & CONDITIONS (No. B/155) Mr N. Beejan (Second Member for Grand’ Baie & Poudre d’Or) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Wage Support Loan Scheme for Export Oriented (Goods) Enterprises implemented to support enterprises severely impacted by COVID-19, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd., (DBM), information as to the – (a) means of financing thereunder; (b) terms and conditions thereof, indicating the – (i) security required, and (ii) number of beneficiaries and amount of loans disbursed, in arrears, settled and written off, respectively and number thereof in liquidation/receivership, further indicating the impact thereof on DBM Ltd., and (c) obligations of Government in respect of the unpaid dues.

Madam Speaker, in June 2020, in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, the previous Government agreed to implement, amongst others, a Wage Support Loan Scheme for Export Oriented (Goods) Enterprises, to be administered through the Development Bank of Mauritius Ltd. Out of a total of Rs8 billion which was made available by the Bank of Mauritius to the DBM, Rs5.9 billion has been utilised to service loan requests from its clients under the various COVID-19 Schemes. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the Bank of Mauritius provided a Special Line of Credit of Rs2 billion to the Development Bank of Mauritius to facilitate the implementation of the scheme. This line of credit carried an interest rate of 1.3% per annum and was repayable over a period of five years, including a six-month moratorium period. Of the Rs2 billion line of credit, Rs1.5 billion were subsequently on-lent to EOEs. In regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed by the DBM that the terms and conditions of the Scheme were as follows – (i) the loan amount was determined based on the wage bill of the enterprise; (ii) the interest rate of 2% per annum, and (iii) the repayment of up to 5 years including a moratorium of six months on capital. With regard to part (b)(i) of the question on security requirements, I am informed by the Development Bank of Mauritius that, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and given that the enterprises were in distress, the Board of the DBM approved the scheme whereby no collateral was requested as security from the beneficiaries of the loans contrary to the usual credit policy guidelines of the Development Bank of Mauritius or of any other bank. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b)(ii) of the question, an amount of Rs1.5 billion was disbursed under the scheme to 43 enterprises. To date, Rs580 million have been repaid, comprising both capital and interest. Currently, 36 enterprises are in arrears for an amount of Rs335 million, that is, Rs299 million in capital and Rs36 million in interest. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that the Development Bank of Mauritius has not written off any liabilities for beneficiaries under the scheme. However, as at 30 June 2025, some Rs400 million of the total portfolio are classified as non-performing, of which Rs304 million relate to five companies that are either in liquidation or under receivership. The five companies are Star Knitwear Group Ltd, Jack Tellor International Limited, Beachwear Exports Co. Ltd, Les Ateliers Creatifs de L’Océan and Riverwalk Investment Ltd. As the House is aware, incidentally, Star Knitwear Group Ltd still owes the MIC a sum of Rs425 million. With regard to the impact on the DBM, such provisioning for non-performing loans has seriously affected the accounts of the Development Bank of Mauritius, which show a substantial loss of Rs388 million for the financial year 2024-2025, compared to the positive performance recorded over the past three financial years. Furthermore, the non-payment of the dues by the beneficiaries of the scheme will further impact on the DBM’s capacity to meet its repayment obligations to the Bank of Mauritius. Today, the Development Bank of Mauritius has been squeezed out of all essential funding preventing it to deliver on its core mandate because cronies of the previous Government have looted the bank. This is yet another case of broad daylight robbery of public funds under the previous Government, which has now endangered the financial standing of the Development Bank of Mauritius. Madam Speaker, I have given instructions for an enquiry to be carried out on the whole matter to find out all those responsible for this big financial scandal. As regards part (c) of the question, I wish to inform the House that in June 2020, the Ministry of Finance issued a letter of comfort to the Bank of Mauritius to the effect that Government will make its best endeavours to ensure that the DBM meets its obligations in respect to the line of credit. It also provides an underlying fiduciary guarantee that Government would be liable for all liabilities in case of default.

Thank you. Yes, Mr Beejan?

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In light of the alleged abuse of the Scheme by the former Government, will the hon. Prime Minister inform the House whether any action will be taken to chase those companies which have taken millions of rupees from the DBM and have winded-up after benefiting from the said scheme?

It is the intention of Government to do exactly that. In fact, for example, we know that one company has taken all its money and has relocated in South Africa. We are looking into all this.

Thank you. Time is up now! Thank you very much everyone. Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that PQ B/175 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Local Government and PQ B/176 will be replied by the hon. Minister of National Infrastructure. Now, we have also been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/156, B/159, B/161, B/162, B/163, B/165, B/166, B/167, B/168, B/169, B/170, B/171, and B/172. Thank you. Hon. Second Member for Grand' Baie, again! LODGING ACCOMMODATION PERMIT – APPLICATIONS (PAST SIX MONTHS) & INSPECTIONS (No. B/173) Mr N. Beejan (Second Member for Grand' Baie & Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations whether, in regard to the Lodging Accommodation Permit (LAP) required in connection with the application for a Work Permit, he will give the list of potential employers having submitted applications therefor over the past six months, indicating the – (a) date of submission thereof and the date of the accommodation inspection and average time taken between the submission of a LAP application and the conduct of the said inspection, and (b) number of accommodation inspections carried out.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that lodging accommodation for migrant workers and other guest employees are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 and the Occupational Safety and Health (Employees’ Lodging Accommodation) Regulation of 2011. Regulation 6 of the regulation provides that no employer shall use a building as a lodging accommodation unless he holds a Lodging Accommodation Permit (LAP), in respect of that lodging accommodation. Enforcement of the regulation is ensured by the Employees’ Lodging Accommodation Section of the National Occupational Safety and Health Department of my Ministry. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I wish to inform the hon. Member that as per advice tendered by the Attorney General’s Office and in view of the provisions of the Data Protection Act, it would not be proper to circulate the names of the potential employers who applied for the LAP. Over the past six months, that is, from October 2025 till March 2026, 318 applications were received at my Ministry, in respect of which, 220 permits have, as at date, been issued. In addition, 14 applications have been approved, but the applicants have not yet been effected payment of the appropriate fees for the issue of the LAP. Pending cases are as follows – • for 18 applications, payment of permit fees has been effected, and same are being processed for issue of permit; • for 5 applications, letters of compliance are being awaited from the employers, and • for 2 applications, amended clearances are being awaited from the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. As regards the remaining 59 applications, these will be determined at the meeting of the Lodging Accommodation Committee, established under the Regulation, scheduled for today itself. Madam Speaker, the average time taken between submission of the LAP application and the conduct of the first inspection by my Ministry is 21 days. Concerning part (b) of the question, I am informed that the ELA Section of my Ministry has conducted 413 inspections in respect of 318 applications submitted by potential employers over the past six months. Accordingly, I am tabling the number of potential employers who have submitted application for LAP over the past six months, together with the respective dates of the applications, and dates of visits carried out for the various lodging accommodations.

Yes, hon. Beejan!

No!

You have not finished?

I have not finished. I am just tabling this. Madam Speaker, I wish to highlight that as at date, out of 84 established posts in the NOSH Department of my Ministry, only 56 officers are physically in post. With regard to the section dealing with LAP application, out of 14 funded posts, there are five vacancies, that is, one third. So, we have a big staffing problem at the Ministry. On average, my Ministry receives more than 50 new applications for LAP every month and the number is increasing. Despite all efforts, it has not been possible to reduce the time taken to process LAP applications in view of the increasing number of applications and the acute shortage of staff at the NOSH Department. Madam Speaker, while there is an increase in the demand for migrant workers from employers, my Ministry has also received several complaints from citizens regarding the operation of lodging accommodation in residential areas. With a view to reducing mushrooming of lodging accommodations throughout the island and mitigating these challenges, my Ministry is coming up with a centralised lodging accommodation regulation which will be promulgated shortly. It is at the level of the Attorney General’s Office. These regulations will allow several employers to house their workers in a centralised dormitory, of which, the owner will be the licence holder. This is going to greatly reduce the application for LAP going forward. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Beejan!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Given the financial strain on small businesses from waiting for an inspection of lodging accommodation or issue of work permit, will the hon. Minister consider to recruit more officers and posting be done in those two specific departments in order to relief SMEs or other businesses? Thank you.

I totally agree with the hon. Member. We are making the request, and I hope there will be a positive response from the Ministry of Finance in the coming budget.

Thank you. That’s it? The hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! MASA – CISAC MEMBERSHIP & REQUIREMENTS (No. B/174) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture whether, in regard to the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA), he will – (a) for the benefit of the House, obtain therefrom, information as to whether it is maintaining and strengthening its membership with the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers, and (b) state the measures his Ministry proposes to take to assist MASA to fully meet the international requirements necessary to preserve the said membership.

Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) that it has been able to maintain its provisional membership with the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), and it has already embarked on the implementation of a series of measures in line with the requirements of CISAC to strengthen its membership. I am also informed that at its General Assembly held on 28 May 2025, CISAC had approved the extension of MASA’s provisional membership for a further period of two years, subject to compliance with strict conditions as CISAC had already informed that no further extension will be granted. Madam Speaker, it is important to underline that the situation we inherited was a matter of serious concern. For years, there had been clear warning signals regarding the governance, compliance and overall functioning of MASA. This prolonged inaction placed MASA’s international standing at risk and created uncertainty for Mauritian artists. Madam Speaker, faced with this situation, my Ministry has acted promptly and responsibly. In this context, I am informed that the Regional Direction for Africa of CISAC effected a mission to Mauritius from 23 to 27 February 2026 to guide MASA on the measures required to ensure compliance and safeguard membership. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that MASA has already initiated concrete steps to meet CISAC requirements, including – (i) uploading of the audited financial statements for years 2020-2021 and 2021- 2022 on the CISAC Governance Portal on 31 October 2025; (ii) submitting the financial statements for the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to the National Audit Office for auditing, with unaudited versions already uploaded on the portal; (iii) updating its repertoire CIS-NET on 02 November 2025, with the next update scheduled for May 2026, and (iv) distributing approximately Rs18.7 million to local copyright owners in December 2025 and Rs1.7 million to Foreign Right Holders in February 2026. These actions demonstrate that MASA is actively aligning with international standards. Madam Speaker, as regards part (b) of the question, Government has provided for a sum of Rs4 million over two years for the restructuring of MASA to assist the society in fully meeting the international requirements necessary to preserve its membership with CISAC. However, given that MASA currently owns approximately Rs95 million in accumulated funds with insufficient clarity and on their collection and reasons for non-distribution over a prolonged period, the Board of MASA has approved that a comprehensive forensic audit be undertaken as priority. Madam Speaker, the terms of reference for this audit which are being finalised by my Ministry will be launched shortly. This exercise is essential to restore confidence among artists and stakeholders to ensure that MASA is placed on a sound footing prior to restructuring. Based on the findings of the forensic audit, my Ministry will thereafter proceed with the consultancy services for a comprehensive restructuring plan. In parallel, my Ministry is supporting MASA in its modernisation efforts, including the acquisition of a cloud system to match the requirement of WIPO Connect. This will enhance repertoire management, improve royalty tracking and distribution to artists. Madam Speaker, I therefore wish to reassure that my Ministry remains fully committed to supporting MASA in meeting all international requirements with a view to preserving and consolidating its membership with CISAC and ensuring that Mauritian authors and right owners receive the royalties to which they are entitled. Madam Speaker, our artists deserve nothing less and as Minister of Arts and Culture, I will stand firmly by them. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister! Yes!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Le ministre peut-il préciser à la Chambre s’il y a un délai qui a été fixé par l’instance internationale pour la régularisation de la situation et s’il existe un risque de suspension ou de retrait de cette adhésion ?

Je viens de préciser qu’on a déjà commencé le travail à la satisfaction de l’organisation.

Donc, il n’y a pas de délai pour l’instant.

Donc, peut-on savoir si son ministère considère effectivement que ce membership, cette adhésion constitue un pilier essentiel pour le développement du secteur créatif mauricien et ainsi améliorant les revenus des artistes ?

Yes, of course, we will do it.

Très bien! Good ! So, now I finish with Mr Quirin. Next page, sorry. So, now we have hon. Apollon! LANDS (BARE & NEGLECTED) – VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES – MEASURES (No. B/175) Mr T. Apollon (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change whether, in regard to bare and neglected lands, he will state the measures his Ministry is taking or envisaging to prevent same from being prolific breeding grounds for mosquitoes and the subsequent spread of diseases, including Chikungunya.

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I shall reply to PQ B/175. In respond of the rising incidence of vector-borne diseases, including Chikungunya, my Ministry is actively participating in a coordinated and multisectoral strategy through an inter- ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Health and Wellness and comprising all local authorities, the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change. This collaborative platform ensures a unified and structured national response with all relevant stakeholders working in close coordination to implement preventive and corrective measures. Local authorities have intensified their cooperation to identify, clean and maintain bare and neglected lands across the island. As at date, 1,220 plots of bare lands have been cleaned and the detailed list is being tabled. Madam Speaker, under section 61(9) of the Local Government Act 2011, the Local Authorities are empowered to intervene directly where such land poses a threat to public health, particularly in cases of unknown ownership or non-compliance. This provision is being actively enforced. Local authorities have also served enforcement notices on owners of bare lands, requiring remedial actions and as at date 1,368 enforcement notices have been issued, out of which 790 have already been complied with. Appropriate actions including legal proceedings are being initiated in cases of non-compliance. To further strengthen these measures, a meeting was held on 20 February and a circular was also issued on 10 March 2026 to all local authorities to intensify enforcement against bare land and illegal dumping. In parallel, Health Inspectors have increased the frequency of inspections and enforcement actions within their respective jurisdiction to ensure close monitoring and timely intervention. Madam Speaker, the Mauri-Facilities Management Co. Ltd and the Living Environment Unit of the Ministry of Environment have deployed dedicated teams to carry out targeted and large-scale cleaning operations in priority areas, including Camp Levieux, Roches Brunes and other affected regions. Similar exercises are on-going across Municipal and District Councils covering road reserve, green space and other public areas. These interventions are being implemented within existing budgetary provision including allocation under the Climate Sustainability Fund whereby ensuring efficient and responsible use of public funds. Enforcement under the Environment Act 2024 is also being strictly applied. Eyesore Abatement Notices and Fixed Penalty Notices are being issued by local authorities and Police de L’environnement. From January 2025 to February 2026, 491 notices were issued by local authorities and 143 by the police with fixed penalty imposed in cases of non-compliance. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to promote proper sanitation practices at both household and community levels. An amount of approximately Rs2.5 million has been earmarked for this purpose. Madam Speaker, whilst significant progress has already been achieved, I wish to underline that there remain additional areas requiring interventions. In this regard, recruitment of additional personnel started last week and is currently on-going. Upon completion, these additional resources will allow for the deployment of more dedicated teams to further strengthen the cleaning and maintenance of bare land and to enhance our national response in combatting Chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases. On Thursday next, that is, on 02 April, we will have another inter-ministerial committee which will be held at the Office of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. With your permission, Madam Speaker, I am tabling a detailed information including the details, the extent of lands cleaned and enforcement action undertaken. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister! Yes, very good! Now, B/176 has been withdrawn. The Table has been advised, while I am at it, I am also telling you about B/184, B/203, B/213, B/218, that have been withdrawn. So, Ministers, please take note. Now, so we go to Mr Lobine, then! LA VIGIE-LA BRASSERIE-BEAUX SONGES LINK ROAD – CYCLE LANES – ASSESSMENT/MONITORING FRAMEWORK (No. B/176) Ms J. Bérenger (First Member for Vacoas & Floréal) asked the Minister of Land Transport whether, in regard to the cycle lanes incorporated into thirteen road projects across 31.4 kilometres at the cost of Rs 546 million, including the 9.2 kilometres stretch along Phase 2 of the La Vigie–La Brasserie–Beaux Songes Link Road valued at Rs 199.1 million, he will state whether any post-implementation assessment or monitoring framework was established, prior to or following the commissioning thereof, to evaluate the – (a) usage frequency; (b) impact on accident reduction, and (c) user satisfaction thereof and, if so, give details thereof, including the methodology adopted, frequency of assessments carried out and findings thereof. (Withdrawn) ELECTRONIC MONITORING BRACELETS – TIME FRAME (No. B/177) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) asked the Attorney-General whether, in regard to the use of electronic monitoring bracelets, he will state where matters stand as to the – (a) implementation thereof, indicating the reasons – (i) why the relevant provisions for electronic monitoring have not yet been proclaimed or put into operation as at to date, and (ii) for the absence of regulations defining the operational protocols and monitoring procedures, and (b) proposed time frame for the full implementation thereof.

Madam Speaker, the Bail Act was amended in 2011 to provide in section 8(4) thereof, for the imposition of electronic monitoring for a limited category of defendants or detainees to be released on bail, namely for those who are not ordinarily residents in Mauritius or for those who are residents but liable on conviction for the offence with which they have been charged to penal servitude or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years and who are also persons, whom a police officer not below the rank of Superintendent has reasonable grounds to believe or likely to leave Mauritius. Section 8 (4) was not and has still not been proclaimed. My office has contacted the office of the Commissioner of Police which is responsible for the implementation and operation of the proposed electronic monitoring of defendants and detainees. And, the Commissioner of Police has informed my office that a technical committee was set up, at the time, under the Chairmanship of the then Deputy Commissioner of Police administration, to examine the implementation and use of the electronic bracelets for persons to be released on bail. However, that committee decided that it would not be prudent to proceed with the project due to its high-cost implications. The project was thus put on hold indefinitely. As at today, it is not possible to give a timeframe for the implementation of the project, which though commendable, is one which is very costly. We have to look at the priorities of the day and at the moment, it is not possible to give a precise timetable for its implementation. However, this issue will be looked into anew at the time we finalise the Police and Criminal Justice Bill later this year.

Okay, that’s it. Good. Now, we have Mr Beejan, again. CONSTITUENCY NO. 6 – ACCIDENT-PRONE AREAS – SPEED BREAKERS & TRAFFIC LIGHTS (No. B/178) Mr N. Beejan (Second Member for Grand’ Baie & Poudre d’Or) asked the Minister of Land Transport whether, in regard to the installation of high-raised speed breakers and traffic lights, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the consideration given therefor in localities of Constituency No. 6, particularly, in the vicinity of schools, religious places, area health centres and accident-prone areas over the past two years, indicating the timelines for the installation of any outstanding or proposed ones.

Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that raised tables are traffic calming measures installed on public roads and are placed at locations where a reduction in vehicles’ speed is deemed necessary due to safety consideration. Such locations may include straight road alignments, residential zones and areas with high pedestrian activity. I am informed by the TMRSU that over the last two years, the following traffic calming measures have been carried out in Constituency No.6 – (i) Construction of a raised table along Saint François Road at Petit Raffray; (ii) Implementation of a raised pedestrian crossing at LUX Hotel, Grand Baie; (iii) Conversion of an existing at-grade pedestrian crossing into a raised pedestrian crossing along Vale Road at Upper Vale, near the Mandir. Furthermore, the following road safety measures have been implemented – • Installation of a fixed Speed Camera at Fond du Sac along Plaines des Papayes Road (B11) in November 2024, and also • Implementation of Speed Zone of 40 km/h along Grand Gaube Coastal Road at Roche Terre near Roche Terre Government School July 2025. Madam Speaker, I am made to understand that the TMRSU is pursuing discussions with the District Council of Rivière du Rempart regarding the implementation of both single and double yellow line markings at some 10 locations identified in October 2025 to prevent on-street parking of vehicles and enhance road safety in the region. The hon. Member will surely recall that we had effected at site-visit together with his two colistiers. I have to highlight, Madam Speaker, that several projects identified across the island, I am going to the national level now, including in Constituency No. 6, could not be implemented so far in view that the bidding exercise for the Framework Agreement by the Central Procurement Board took an excessively long time to materialise. I am informed that the bidding documents were finalised only in May 2025 and bids were floated on 03 June 2025 by the CPB. The recommendations of the latter were received only in January 2026 and challenge was subsequently lodged by one bidder. Fortunately, in view that the matter was not referred to the Independent Review Panel, the contract was awarded by my Ministry on 05 March 2026 and I am given to understand that the submission of the insurance cover is currently awaited from one of the selected bidders to enable signature of contract, and issuance of works orders by the TMRSU. All pending works will, therefore, be implemented as a matter of urgency. I am sure that many of my colleagues across the island will be happy to learn about this development at long last, which were beyond our control. I am further informed that, in the continuous effort to improve road safety along public roads, the construction of traffic calming measures (raised tables) at the following locations, which is part of the question, in Constituency No. 6, are in the pipeline – 1. Cap Malheureux, along B45 Road, near Kalimaye/Kovil Cap Malheureux ; 2. Cap Malheureux, along B45 Road, near Arya Samaj Mandir; 3. Roche Terre, along B14 Road, near TVS Supermarket; 4. Grand Gaube, along B14 Road, near Veranda Paul & Virginie Hotel & Spa; 5. Pereybère, along Old Mill Road, near Oasis Villas 1, and 6. Residential Morcellement at Beau Manguier, Pereybère. Madam Speaker, with regard to traffic lights, I am informed that the T-junction of Mont Choisy–Cap Malheureux Road (B13) near BLOOM, will be signalised in the course of time during this year. In view of concerns raised by the hon. Member, I have instructed the TMRSU to carry out surveys in the vicinity of schools, religious places, area health centres and of course, all accident-prone areas within Constituency No. 6 to identify the need for traffic calming measures for early implementation.

Yes, Mr Beejan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the hon. Minister, inform the House what budget allocations have been made for traffic calming measure in Constituency No.6 Grand Baie and Poudre d'Or in the current and previous financial year and how much have been utilised till date?

Madam Speaker, I am given to understand by the TRMSU that the final figure is being worked out but rest assured that they will be implemented. Like I said, all we needed was a good contractor but now, following the process of the CPB, we have contractors and they will be implemented in due course.

Okay. Yes, Mr Beechook.

Madam Speaker, can the hon. Minister please request the TRMSU to consider the following suggestion that usually they apply a blanket rule of not allowing high raised speed breakers which is one single strip that is, from the right-hand side to the left- hand side of the road, rightly so, unless there are drains on each side. Can they consider the possibility of having those bumps, which are divided into two, with a passage in-between, that is, one right-hand side one the left-hand side to enable the flow of water so that we don’t face the situation that they usually refuse to have speed breakers on roads because there are no drains on each side?

A very high technical matter indeed. I will ask the technicians to look into, certainly.

Yes, hon. Chief Whip, last question; before lunch, I mean. CONSTITUENCY NO. 18 – WATER LEAKAGES – DETECTION EQUIPMENT – COVERED AREAS & TIMELINE (No. B/179) Ms S. Anquetil (Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities whether, in regard to water leakages in Constituency No. 18, Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Central Water Authority, information as to whether leak detection equipment is being deployed thereat and, if so, give details thereof, the areas covered and the timeline for the carrying out of a comprehensive leak detection exercise.

Madame la présidente, la CWA m'informe que les régions de Quatre Bornes, Palma, Bassin, Belle Rose, Sodnac et Cité Kennedy, qui font partie de la zone d'approvisionnement en eau inférieure à Mare aux Vacoas. Ces régions disposent d'un réseau vieillissant d'environ 60 km. Donc ces tuyaux sont sujets à des fuites. Les fuites visibles sont réparées par la CWA dans le cadre de ses opérations courantes. En cas de dysfonctionnement du réseau laissant suspecter des fuites invisibles, du matériel de détection est déployé sur place pour localiser les fuites, puis les réparations sont effectuées. Madame la présidente, la CWA a également indiqué que les équipements utilisés pour la détection des fuites sont principalement des détecteurs et enregistreurs de fuites acoustiques. Un budget est prévu chaque année pour l'acquisition de ces équipements. Il convient de souligner, Madame la présidente, que des fois des déviations de la circulation sont généralement nécessaires, ce qui influe sur le temps dont dispose la CWA pour effectuer les réparations. Afin d'améliorer l'efficacité du réseau de distribution d'eau dans ces régions, j'ai également appris que d'importants travaux de remplacement des tuyaux, entre le rond-point de Saint-Jean et Rose Hill, ont été prévus dans le cadre du programme de remplacement des tuyaux financé par la Ligne de crédit indienne. Les appels d'offres devraient être lancés cette année-ci donc dans deux ou trois mois en juillet de cette année-ci. Madame la présidente, le service des pertes d'eau, non revenue water, non facturées de la CWA compte actuellement cinq personnes, seulement cinq personnes. Grâce au soutien budgétaire de l’AFD (l'Agence Française de Développement) dans le secteur de l'eau, la CWA renforcera ce service afin que, d'ici 2027, chacune des six zones de distribution d'eau dispose d'une équipe de cinq personnes, dédiées à la détection des fuites et à la gestion des pertes d'eau non facturées. Cette mesure devrait permettre d'améliorer significativement le réseau. Par ailleurs, le gouvernement alloue chaque année des fonds à la CWA pour l’acquisition d’équipements de détection des fuites d’eau. Un montant de R 12 millions est prévu pour l’exercice financier en cours.

Thank you. Yes!

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente, et je remercie l’honorable ministre pour sa réponse. Le ministre peut-il confirmer à la Chambre si des tuyaux d’alimentation en eau y ont été placés à la hâte, à la veille des élections générales en 2024, en violation des normes de profondeur, entraînant des fuites à répétition ainsi que des difficultés d’asphaltage des routes sur plusieurs routes à Quatre Bornes, dont Pousse-Passe Avenue ? Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente.

Madame la présidente, à maintes reprises au sein de l’Assemblée nationale, j’ai fait référence aux R 700 millions de Pipe Replacement Programme qui a été entrepris par la CWA. Une enveloppe de R 700 millions. Malheureusement, les 700 millions, ces fonds n’ont pas été utilisés exclusivement pour le Pipe Replacement Programme. Ce n’est que 44 % des paiements qui ont été dirigés vers ce projet. Je l’ai dit plusieurs fois : le non-respect, dans certains cas, des procédures d’appel d’offres, des pratiques comptables déficientes dans ces cas-là, pour vous dire qu’aujourd’hui, en 2026, on se retrouve, après avoir dépensé R 700 millions dans ce programme, avec de nombreux foyers qui restent encore privés d’eau alors que nous avons dépensé autant d’argent ! Faute de raccordement, des tuyaux demeurent visibles. Je ne sais pas si dans certaines régions, les honorables membres sont au courant que de nombreux tuyaux restent visibles, laissés à même le sol dans certaines localités. Pour vous dire, si je dois demander au ministère des Finances, dans le prochain budget, de l’argent pour faire enfouir ces tuyaux, vous réaliserez qu’il faudra peut-être un budget de R 200 à R 300 millions pour l’enfouissement de ces tuyaux. Alors, il faudra qu’on se décide. Ce gouvernement ; nous avons hérité de ce que nous avons hérité. Il faudra savoir : est-ce que nous allons mettre de l’argent, R 300 millions, dans l’enfouissement des tuyaux ou nous allons mettre de l’argent pour améliorer le service de distribution d’eau ? Pour vous dire, donc, nous sommes dans une situation complexe où je ne blâme pas l’ancien, celui qui m’a précédé, je ne le blâme pas. Je ne sais pas s’il est là. An hon. Member: Il est là !

(Interruptions)

Oh, oh, oh!

Mais je me permettrais de dire qu’il n’était pas à blâmer parce que l’ancien General Manager de la CWA ne répondait pas à ce ministre ! Vous réalisez ? An hon. Member : Pran kass!

Donc, pour vous dire, R 700 millions, malheureusement, c’est du fiasco !

Yes !

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Peut-on savoir du ministre si le projet pilote de réduction des pertes d’eaux non-revenue water financé par l’Agence française de développement (AFD), dont il a fait mention dans sa réponse, pourra démarrer dans la circonscription de Belle Rose et Quatre Bornes, no. 18 ? Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente.

(Interruptions)

Non, j’ai failli être député là-bas.

Allez-y, M. le ministre !

Simplement, pour rassurer : vous savez, le projet est financé par l’AFD, Madame la présidente. Le but, c’est de renforcer l’effectif du non-revenue water. Donc, nous avons actuellement que cinq personnes dans une zone. Ce que nous voulons avec ce projet, avec le financement de l’AFD, c’est que dans chaque zone, nous ayons une équipe de cinq personnes. Donc, pour vous dire, malheureusement, en 2022, l’ancienne équipe avait aboli ce non- revenue water.

Incroyable !

Alors que nous perdons plus de 60 % sur notre réseau ! Donc, avec l’appui de l’AFD, effectivement, pas que chez vous, honorable membre, mais dans différentes zones encore, nous aurons une équipe de cinq personnes comprenant ingénieur, ouvriers, cadre administratif, qui sera postée dans chaque zone et aura la responsabilité de s’acquitter de cette tâche pour réduire – nous essayons de réduire – les pertes physiques et commerciales dues à ces tuyaux vieillissants.

Tout va bien ?

Tout va bien. Merci.

Parfait ! Je lève la séance pour une heure et demie. On revient à deux heures et demie. At 1.00 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.36 p.m., with Madam Speaker in the Chair. ENDOCRINOLOGY/DIABETOLOGY – SPECIALIST/SENIOR SPECIALIST – POST (No. B/180) Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to the post of Specialist/Senior Specialist in the field of Endocrinology/Diabetology, he will state the – (a) duties and scope of practice thereof, indicating whether they are authorised to perform invasive procedures, including wound opening and surgical interventions in the management of diabetic foot and, if not, the reasons therefor, and (b) patients requiring such procedures are systematically referred to other specialists and, if so, whether a review of the existing protocols will be considered to allow for specialised diabetic foot care within the discipline of diabetology.

Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, in accordance to the prescribed Scheme of Service, a Specialist/Senior Specialist is responsible for provision of an effective and efficient clinical service in his speciality. In this respect, he responsible to the Regional Health Director through the Consultant in Charge of the relevant field for the following – 1. to perform clinical and other work pertaining to his speciality, 2. to mentor and train junior medical nursing and other have personal; 3. to initiate and participate in surveys and research activities and publications; 4. to contribute to the development of health programmes. There are no rigidly prescribed duties or narrowly defined scope of practice specified to specialists in the field of Endocrinology and Diabetology. In fact, endocrinology and diabetology by their very nature are dynamic and multidisciplinary fields encompassing metabolic, hormonal, cardiovascular, renal and neurosurgical aspects of care. As such, clinical responsibilities are exercised within a collaborative patient-centred model rather than confined to a fixed list of tasks. I am further informed that the management of complex wounds and surgical interventions and patient care is delivered through a multidisciplinary team approach. This particularly involves close collaboration between Endocrinologists, Diabetologists, and other Specialists such as surgeons, Vascular Surgeons, Wound Care Specialist, nurses and allied health professionals depending on the clinical need of the patient. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question, diabetic foot management is usually referred to a multidisciplinary team as per International Best Practice Guidelines and is as follows – (i) Radiologists who look after the vascular part in order to inform the surgeon regarding blood circulation in the affected foot; (ii) General surgeons who evaluate and give treatment for diabetic foot ulcers; (iii) Vascular Surgeons may do a bypass of the artery to supply regions which are affected by diabetes; (iv) Pathologists verify tissues for histopathology, and (v) Diabetologists who offer medication and advice to control medical aspects of diabetes. The protocol of diabetic footcare delivery will be reviewed during the visit of Dr. Marie-France Kong, Consultant Diabetologist, from United Kingdom, and her team, scheduled for June 2026.

Yes!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Would the hon. Minister agree that given the very high number of amputations resulting from diabetes, would it not be a better approach to follow the US and the UK in allowing Diabetologists to perform treatment for open wound for diabetic foot?

Madam Speaker, well, I am not in the medical field but this is the information which has been given to me. In fact, this system was set up a little bit by our hon. Prime Minister in the early, I think, 2013 or 2014, the new code was established and that was under his guidance. There was one eminent professor from England who came and who set up all these guidelines. I do hope with the advent of the professor who is coming to Mauritius, we will get more information and we will try to get more advice from him.

Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will just ask the hon. Minister, since we are talking about specialist and Endocrinologist and Diabetologists, in the same vein there is always a very narrow area of the scope of duties that are expected from specialists while the sole authority to allow a specialist to practice in Mauritius relies under the purview of the Medical Council. May I ask the hon. Minister whether he could see with the Medical Council how to give the scope of duties or the boundaries to which particular specialists are allowed to work and do procedures or treatment because, today, we are seeing specialists…

Do not argue, ask him a question.

Yes, one specialist which is outside the remit of another specialist doing the job and you get complications and patients who at the end suffer the brunt of it.

I will take it up at the level of my Ministry with is our consultants who are there and I will try to get their advice and then communicate to the Medical Council.

Okay! Alright everybody? Yes, one more?

Could the hon. Minister please advise if the Surgeons, the General Surgeons, to whom cases of diabetic footcare are referred, do they receive regular and specialised training for treating these types of problems?

We have got the General Surgeons, number one, and I hope that they are properly trained. At the same time, we have got many qualified nurses in that field, many doctors also, who were looking after them. We have got not only surgeons but we have got competent doctors, Diabetologists, whom we have in our hospitals. But I do recognise that there is a shortage of such doctors and I do hope that in the near future we are going to recruit a bit more.

Okay! Alright, good! Now we have First Member for Savanne & Black River. CONSTITUENCY NO. 14 – SOCIAL HOUSING – WAITING LIST (No. B/181) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether, in regard to social housing, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Social Living Development Ltd., information as to the number of units thereof currently available and the number of applicants therefor on the waiting list in Constituency No. 14 and at national level, respectively, indicating the allocation procedures and the timeline therefor.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The 8000 residential units were designed to cater for 400 units per constituency. I am informed by the NSLD that as date, the construction of 2438 housing units including on-site and off-site infrastructural works have been completed over 12 sites across the island. I am further informed that as at 26 March 2026, out 56,794 applicants for the whole island, there were 3574 for Constituency No.14. In regard to allocation procedures, or applicants for housing units are, I understand from the NHDC, called for an interview whereby they are also requested to submit all relevant documents thereafter. Only those who meet the established eligibility criteria are short listed. I am given to understand that once an applicant has been found to be eligible for a housing unit, the time taken for delivery of the unit to the beneficiary, depends on two major factors – (a) the approval of the loan by the lending institution in most cases, commercial banks, and (b) signature of deed of sale. According to information provided to me, it is expected that by the end of August 2026, the 2438 housing units which are ready will have been delivered. Let me take this opportunity once again, Madam Speaker, to underline that there is a set eligibility criterion at the level of the NHDC. The first one is based on ownership; that the applicant should not be owner of the housing unit or a plot of residential land subject to paragraph (b) – an applicant or spouse who is the owner of undivided rights in the property by way of succession, inheritance” is eligible for an NHDC, NSLD housing unit where the inherited property cannot be conveniently divided in kind among the co-heirs to allow the construction or allocation of an individual housing unit to each heir. So, those eligibility criteria – and I would like to underline the following – that there is an income threshold of Rs48,000, that the applicant is considered to have the repayment capacity to service the mortgage debt for the purchase of NHDC housing unit and the applicants selected for the NSLD house unit are directed to financial institutions for the purchase. Now, the eligibility criteria, I would like to underline that the couple married or in pre- union or joint applicants or single applicants; divorced, widow, single parent with – • four or more dependents, they earn 10 points; • with three dependents, they earn 9 marks; • with two dependents, they earn 8 marks, and • with one dependent, they earn 7 marks, and • couples or joint applicants without dependents, 6 marks; • divorced, widowed, old age pensions without dependents, 5 marks. So, try not to get divorced but with regard to households which are not given any marks, other types of households, zero marks. Now, the catchment area also is of relevance and hardship cases – a lot of people ask me those questions – they are – • victims of fire, cyclone, floods and other natural disasters; • victims of domestic violence; • single parents with dependents; • persons with severe medical conditions or impairments, and • officers of the NHDC carry out site visits and liaise with relevant authorities to assess the genuineness of the applicants under the hardship criteria. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes, thank you, hon. Minister. Yes?

Madam Speaker, can the Minister inform the House where matters stand concerning the project of 90 houses for the site of Surinam, whether it is going on or not?

I believe that this House referred to No. 14 in Surinam. I am getting to that right now. With regard to Surinam, he is most probably talking about the one that has stopped. There has been – I do not know if he is referring to the one which was where Kuros was responsible for the construction. There has been non-compliance with the contractual obligations. I speak from memory, non-compliance with contractual obligations and the NSLD has put an end to contracts with regard to the company called Kuros and followed all procedures in order to bring an end to that. However, basically the project is not over. There is the need to ensure that houses that could not be completed because of breach of contract on the part of the contractor, are proceeded with and therefore, the NSLD is going to ensure that this is continued. So, it is not over. Unfortunately, it has been delayed and under the old regime, there are certain contractors clearly who have been paid a lot of money but who have not, in any way, given results. Unfortunately, there was a laissez-aller which was totally uncalled for, criminal in behaviour I must say, and taxpayers’ money was thrown left, right and centre, as though they owned the thing and they were like there was no tomorrow. So, at the end of the day, you end up with what you end up with, which is basically not much to really write home about. So, we have to wipe and clear up the mess. So, this is precisely what we are endeavouring to do and I can assure the hon. Member and the inhabitants of that Constituency that the job is not over but we are going ensure that it is completed and that there is value for money. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Babajee, then hon. Jhummun.

Will the hon. Minister consider squatters to have some special criteria for those social houses as the number of squatters in the west is increasing?

It is a very interesting question indeed – and very often, a lot of people or at least my predecessor and those who have been around for a few years during the last regime – what has happened in No. 14 and I am going to say it very bluntly, forgive me for that because that is truth – some people have encouraged and those people know who. Some people who were in ministerial positions have encouraged people to go and squat. Go and squat and you shall be régularisé and in the circumstance of what had happened, is that you have proliferation of squatters, specifically in Constituency No. 14 and the hon. Member knows well together with his colleagues where. So, this proliferation has led to a situation of problem with regards to infrastructure, problem with regards to law and order and there is a total indiscipline. We end up with a situation, Madam Speaker, where people believe that because they are squatters, they are entitled to a plot of land given by the State. The answer is no. There is no automatic entitlement because if we are to go along your suggestion – because I take it is only a suggestion and we are here to at least discuss constructively – to under the hardship case to put in squatters, I can assure the hon. Member, Madam Speaker, that we are going to have not only a proliferation of squatters, we are going to have people even with houses squat the place because they think it is a God-given right to them to get a plot of land. No! On the other hand, you have people who have real hardships as it is in the eligibility criteria and we have to help them and we will help them whereas people who end up going to places to squat simply because in return, they expect it to be given to them free of charge, that cannot be tolerated. Yes, we will show ourselves generous to people and understandable, compassionate to people who are on a plot of land, who had no other choice than to go there and they have not come to knock at our door to say ‘give it to me as a matter of right’. It is because we understand, ça doit être régularisé, we do it on a case-to-case basis. So, we cannot continue tolerating this indiscipline. So, in answer to your question, the answer is no. It will not be put under the criteria of hardship eligibility because that would be opening the flood gates and doing the same thing that was done by a former Minister, whom you know very well.

Hon. Jhummun!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Following the answer of the hon. Minister to hon. Jugurnauth, does the same issues arise for No. 13, regarding the houses still pending and we are unable to give them to house seekers?

The bad news is that yes, in the Constituency No. 13 that happens to be the first constituency I was elected in and I have good memory of that constituency, yes, it is the same situation because that very company is guilty of laches and breach of contract and we have had to take action once again because we cannot sit down idly and see a company which has been paid by taxpayers’ money blatantly breach the contract. We cannot do that. So, we had to act. We have taken the decision. The reason for the delay in that constituency as well as No. 14 is precisely the fault of the contractor. So, let us not cry over spilt milk. What is the solution? The solution is that there has to be a bidding process for a contractor to be chosen to complete the job. And yes, I know that there are certain inhabitants in certain places who have complained because some of the sites – in other constituencies as well – where contractors have done wrong and are left in an abandoned state, it is not as though it is over. It will continue but I cannot, as Minister, choose, who is going to be the contractor. There is a process to follow and it has to be followed in line with the law.

Yes?

Do you have any idea as to when we can allocate these houses? Any idea?

If it could have been done yesterday, I would have been the happiest. No, it is not only a question of money but for that…

Short and sweet!

No, I mean once upon a time, they used to say as soon as possible but to be honest, it is a construction and for construction, you cannot have a set date on it. Once the bidding process is completed, we will have a date, estimated completion and then as we hope, it will be done quicker. So, our intention and our aim are to finish very quickly because we know that there are a lot of people waiting for those.

Yes, hon. Beechook?

Yes, Madam Speaker. I thank the hon. Minister for this reply. I would ask the hon. Minister how much this disaster is going to cost additionally to the NSLD?

This disaster has led us to see how we can mitigate the risk because we cannot just let costs increase. So, a risk mitigation has been implemented. That is why we put an end to the contract. Now, there were certain performance guarantees that were held and were viewed by financial institutions. Forgive me, I am only speaking from memory. I know for a fact that we have tapped onto that. But still, there will be losses. I cannot put it in figures. What annoys me in terms of prejudice here – let alone the financial prejudice – are the hearts of many of those, who are waiting for houses, that are broken. They are impatient, and it is legitimate on their part to get a roof over their heads. I am aware of it. I have heard them. I have spoken to many of them. But I can assure you, through this House, Madam Speaker, as I have said, that we will endeavour to complete those projects. Not only that, we will endeavour to start new ones as well. Thank you.

Thank you. Your memory seems okay! Hon. Ramdass, yes! MAURITIUS POST LTD SERVICES – PAYMENT MODALITY (No. B/182) Mr A. Ramdass (Third Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation whether, in regard to services provided in post offices, including payment of bills and road tax, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Mauritius Post Ltd., information as to the accepted modes of payment thereat.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for this question. I am informed by Mauritius Post Ltd. that it currently operates a total of 114 outlets, including five in Rodrigues and one in Agalega. Out of these 114 outlets in Mauritius, 100 are providing postal services such as delivery of letters, parcels, selling of stamps and non- postal services as well. A total of 55 postal and 24 non-postal. Madam Speaker, Mauritius Post Ltd. has further informed me that 91 of those post offices are equipped with fully operational point of sale systems whereby payment by cards for CEB bills and postal services are currently being accepted. Mauritius Post Ltd. is in discussion with the NLTA, CWA and MT to provide for alternative modes of electronic payment. I am further informed that payment by card for a minimum of Rs200 can, in fact, be accepted by Mauritius Post Ltd. in so far as the utility company concerned gives relevant instructions to Mauritius Post Ltd. The issue reported, therefore, is not that of technical feasibility, but that of financial viability. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Yes, hon. Ramdass!

Madam Speaker, in respect of payment of NLTA services, le ministre étant lui-même un érudit de la technologie, à un moment où nous faisons de moins en moins de paiements en espèces, conviendrait-il qu’il est grand temps d’autoriser, voire même d’encourager d’autres moyens de paiements numériques tels que Juice, my.t money, cartes de crédit, etc. ? Serait-il disposé à engager des pourparlers en ce sens auprès des bureaux de postes de l’île Maurice ?

M. le ministre !

Thank you, hon. Member for the supplementary question. I think, in Mauritius of 2026, we need to have people online, not in line, to effect payments at government counters. My Ministry is actually attending some committees, under the Bank of Mauritius, to look into the possibility of even having government counters accept payment by electronic modes. Not just the Mauritius Post. As a Ministry, we are working towards a point where people will be able to effect all their payments online. So, one extension of the KOREK app will be to also accept the online renewal of MVL through the app, and payment modal will also be electronic, obviously. So, yes, we are doing it.

Okay. Not happy? One more!

Madam Speaker, that is, obviously, in respect of online apps, but how about the counters in the specific units of the Mauritius Post? Will the hon. Minister consider the possibility of authorising payments by electronic means at those counters for NLTA services? At the moment, it is not the case.

At the counters, hon. Minister!

So, it is a decision to be made by the NLTA. Why? Because there is a commission that is applicable on the payment received via cards. Even via Juice. So, a decision needs to be made by the NLTA. Once the instructions have been provided, the Mauritius Post will be able to accept the payments. We are awaiting authorisation from the authority involved. Thank you.

Okay, I think we have got it now. So, Mr Apollon, Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien! MAHEBOURG HOSPITAL – METHADONE DISTRIBUTION – PROPOSED RELOCATION (No. B/183) Mr T. Apollon (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Health and Wellness whether, in regard to the proposed relocation of the methadone distribution from the Mahebourg Hospital to a dedicated Methadone Distribution Centre in January 2026, he will state where the matters stand.

Madam Speaker, there are presently two methadone dispensing sites in Mahebourg, namely at Mahebourg Hospital with 363 patients, and Mahebourg Methadone Day Care Centre, through caravan, with 192 patients. Both sites operate between 06.00 a.m. to 08.00 a.m. Madam Speaker, there have been several requests to delocalise the methadone dispensing site from Mahebourg Hospital to the yard of Mahebourg Methadone Day Care Centre, through caravan, mainly because some patients cause trouble within the hospital premises. However, this relocation cannot be envisaged due to the fact that the total number of methadone beneficiaries taking their doses at the Methadone Day Care Centre would increase to more than 500. This could pose safety issues for staff, beneficiaries as well as the neighbourhood. Moreover, in case of any scuffles or fights, the situation may be more difficult to control since the site where the day care centre is located is small and enclosed by a fencing. Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that a joint technical working group had been set up between the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC), as the apex body looking at the drug scourge, and my Ministry to look into the various aspects regarding methadone dispensing.

Yes, hon. Apollon!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I already had a meeting with the NADC, where I proposed an old police quarter which is not in use. Can I ask the Minister to consider this old police quarter for the distribution of methadone at Mahebourg?

I will take up this matter with NADC in the forthcoming meeting that we will be having. I will try to propose the site.

Yes, Ms Savabaddy!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The hon. Minister will agree with me that methadone distribution creates a lot of problems in most regions. Has there been any comprehensive study over the situation so as to bring appropriate solutions? Thank you.

Madam Speaker, there is no appropriate solution. In any place or any part of the country, wherever we put up any centre for methadone distribution, we start having complaints as from the following day. So, I do not know where we have to put it up. In the beginning, it was at the police stations. The police objected to it. We moved to the hospitals, the doctors protested. We moved to some area health centres, there was hue and cry everywhere. These people are patients and need to be treated, and you have to be very careful while dealing with these patients.

We have heard you say that before. This is not the first time you are saying this, I think.

There is no other solution. We have to bear with it. We have to live with these patients because, for us, they are patients.

Okay, we are done with methadone for the moment! PQ B/184 has been withdrawn. PESTICIDES REGULATORY OFFICE – STAFF REDUCTION (No. B/184) Ms J. Bérenger (First Member for Vacoas & Floréal) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to the Pesticides Regulatory Office, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain therefrom, information as to the reasons for the reduction in the number of officers posted thereat. (Withdrawn)

So, now, we go to Dr. Aumeer! RENT-TO-OWN SCHEME – ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, HOUSING UNITS AVAILABILITY & EXPECTED DELIVERY DATES (No. B/185) Dr. F. Aumeer (Third Member for Port Louis South & Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether, in regard to the 'Rent-to-Own' Scheme launched in November 2025, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Housing Development Company Ltd., information as to the number of – (a) eligible applicants therefor, and (b) housing units available thereunder, indicating the respective locations and expected delivery dates thereof.

Madam Speaker, social housing units are reserved for applicants with a monthly household income of up to Rs48,000. However, there are applicants who, though eligible for a housing unit, do not have the repayment capacity, or in many cases due to unfavourable MCIB reports, are unable to secure a loan from financial institutions, or cannot benefit from mortgage facilities from the NHDC. So as not to debar these applicants from owning a housing unit, since November 2025, the NHDC has, following Government approval, introduced a new financing scheme based on the Rent-to-Own mechanism to cater for such type of beneficiaries. The Rent-to-Own Scheme, basically, enables those beneficiaries to rent a housing unit for an initial period of five years with the right to exercise a purchase option anytime. With regard to part (a) of the question, the NHDC is, at present, according to the information given to me at my Ministry, not in a position to provide the exact number of eligible applicants, as the assessment of beneficiaries is still in progress. So, I am personally not very happy not to give information of that nature because I have the information, Madam Speaker. I have the information as at the 18th of March 2026 as to how many people on “Rent-to-Own” are being considered. So, allow me to give it. Because you see, it’s not in the habit of previous governments to be transparent and I love the idea of being transparent. So, in spite of what I am told here, I will give the information and it is as follows – • For Olivia, there are 212 units, as at 18 March for loan, mortgage credit facility and the evaluation of mortgage for rent or rent-to-own by NHDC – 70 are under evaluation; • For Grand Bel Air – 33 being evaluated; • For Valetta – 0; • For Mare D’Albert – 14; • For Henrietta 3 – 0; • For Malherbes – 14; • For Pointe aux Piments –33; • For Reunion Maurel – 26. So, out of the 1,264 units in those places I made mention, there are 190 that are being evaluated for mortgage/rent to own. So, with regard to part (b), there are no specific number of housing units that are earmarked for rent-to-own. In fact, it is for applicants who are de facto eligible but have not been able to secure a loan from lending institutions. It is those who will have then the choice to opt for this scheme. So, the question of the respective location and expected delivery date does not arise at this point in time. I would like to add that this is, – and I am very proud of this particular scheme, I must admit, this Rent-to-Own Scheme, I am personally very proud of it because I came up with the idea and I am thankful to all my colleagues in Cabinet for having supported this idea and approved this scheme. Some people like to pretend as though that they had that idea but then again, I mean we have a lot of pretenders around. Let them be pretenders. Thank you.

It sounds like a song.

It is!

Dr. Aumeer!

Thank you. Can I ask the hon. Minister whether his Ministry have any special priority scheme for those who have lost their property overnight due to natural calamities, particularly if they fall in the category of very low income or even on the list of the NEF? Thank you.

In fact, I turn around here and no pun intended, I turned to my left and I see my good friend the hon. Minister Subron. In fact, it concerns several Ministries who work together and as we speak the whole idea is – do we have a housing bank or a stock of houses that we can send people to? And the answer is very simple – no, we don’t. So, what happens is that we have to look around and look for those houses, that’s why we have come up with, there is another question that the hon. Anquetil had put to me here but very rapidly, the maison de transition – this is what I have come up with and I have already informed Cabinet about that only two weeks back. We are going to work together with the hon. Ministers, both Subron and Madam Navarre-Marie. Why? Because situations like this, we will have to find a solution, it will be the maison de transition. So, I hope that very quickly we will be able to come up with solutions of this nature. The second aspect, allow me to say that, there are many government buildings that are left and unused. You see? So, in the recent past, many Ministers liked to hold on to properties that vested with their Ministry and don’t let it go. But this is not the case with this Government. In this Government, it is clear; it is a team that is working and that team has decided to help one another out. When there are government buildings that are left unused and unutilised, how we can put it to the use of the people, convert into maison d’urgence, maison de transition, used for people who urgently need it under the several Ministries. This is how we work together. So, for those reasons, I must say that the outlook is very good. The outlook is positive because those are issues that were never addressed in the past and it will be addressed now. Thank you.

You are okay Dr.? Mr Ramkalawon!

Hon. Minister, according to this scheme, do you have any fast track for women who have been victims of domestic violence or single mothers or financially in difficulties?

As I have said, in the hardship criteria, we give priority to single mothers. I underline the fact that they are mothers. What it entails is that they have children and those children have to be catered for, they have to be cared for. My colleagues the hon. Minister, Ms Navarre-Marie, and the hon. Minster of Social Security, Mr Subron, both of them are working closely with us. We are working together in order to address those urgent issues. So, yes, they are within the criteria. I also had someone who said: why am I giving priority or why are we giving priority to single mothers? In fact, it’s not a question of being priority or not, it is showing that we have a heart and, in this side, we have a heart. Thank you.

Les enfants d’abords! Okay I think now we move on to Dr. Ms Daureeawo! RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES – REGISTRATION, INSPECTIONS & POLICY FRAMEWORK (No. B/186) Dr. Ms R. Daureeawo (Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles & Souillac) asked the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity whether, in regard to the residential care homes, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Residential Care Home Board, information as to the – (a) current number thereof being – (i) registered, and (ii) unregistered; (b) frequency of inspections carried out thereat, indicating the number of cases of non-compliance or abuse detected in the course thereof and the actions taken in relation thereto in each case, and (c) policy framework put in place to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards for residents.

Madam Speaker, given the issue to be addressed, I am seeking your indulgence to enable me to provide a more elaborate reply to this question. I wish to inform the House that in accordance with Section 12 of the Residential Care Homes Act 2003, the Residential Care Home Board may, upon application, grant or refuse a license to a person who intends to operate a residential care home. A license issued is valid for a period of one year and shall be renewed for successive periods of one year upon application made by a licensee. The Residential Care Home Board was last reconstituted in September 2025. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that as at date, 22 Charitable Institutions and 63 Private Residential Care Homes are registered with my Ministry. I am tabling the full list of the Registered Institutions. Out of the total of 85 licenses, the licenses of 7 Charitable Institutions and 8 Private Residential Care Homes are under process for renewal. I am further informed that for the last five years, only 3 Private Residential Care Homes have ceased operations. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a)(ii) of the question, I wish to inform the House that during my tenure as Minister, my Ministry has received 11 cases of unregistered/illegal homes as at date. I am tabling the full list of the reported case of unregistered and illegal homes. During this period, out of the 11 cases, my Ministry has had 3 important cases to deal with – • Case 1: Occurred on 09 May 2025 at Fieldview Care Home situated at Maison Blanche, Mon Goût, Pamplemousses. • Case 2: Occurred on 07 November 2025 – a suspected illegal Residential Home villa located at Pereybere. • Case 3: During this month, on the 10 March 2026 at Mon Destin Residential Care Home located at Forest- Side, where a murder case occurred. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (b) of the question, I wish to inform the House that in accordance with Section 20(3) of the Residential Care Homes Act 2003, officers from the Welfare and Elderly Protection Unit (WEPU) of my Ministry may at all times enter and inspect any building, premises, means of transport and any other facility which are used for the purposes of a Residential Care Home. Officers of the unit effect monthly visits in registered private homes; and twice monthly in charitable institutions to ensure cleanliness, safety, food quality and proper care of the residents. Surprise checks are also effected in residential care homes to detect any case of abuse. I am informed that for year 2025, my Ministry has effected 1044 visits and registered 5 cases of elderly abuse, which are being monitored. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (c) of the question, I must first say that the Junior Minister and myself were shocked to note that though provisions have been made in the Residential Care Homes Act 2003 to establish contraventions and to institute proceedings for any breach of conditions of a license, the existing law has not been fully applied for years, certainly for at least the last 10 years, prior to our taking the office. No rigid corrective action has been taken against Homes in cases of non-compliance. It is clear that the responsible unit was not properly resourced and trained. Furthermore, policy wise, let me inform the House of 10 important measures – 1) Since I took office, cases of ill-treatments and operation of illegal homes have been promptly and duly reported to the Police and the FCC. The case of Fieldview has been reported and the case of Pereybere has been duly reported; 2) A 2 months moratorium period was provided to enable both reporting and regularisation of illegal homes; 3) Following the above, a new protocol has been designed to establish clear guidelines and courses of actions to follow in respect of complaints received regarding residential care homes, and for handling cases of abuse and illegal homes; 4) A Ministerial Committee was instituted in this context, to ensure transfers of residents from potential illegal homes, to safe places; 5) A new Board under the Residential Care Homes Act 2003 was put in place in September as I said, and is now fully operational; 6) After the very disturbing events reported at Mon Destin Home, Curepipe, this month – (a) The Residential Care Home Board has promptly met on 18 March 2026 and acted upon the advice of the SLO on 23 March 2026 to declare that the Mon Destin Residential Care Home located in Forest- Side, was in an illegal situation; (b) I have immediately directed the WEPPU to conduct a full audit of all Residential Homes in Mauritius. (c) I am writing to the Commissioner of Police to conduct joint inquiries, with the Ministry, under Section 20 of the Residential Care Home Act 2003. This section was never applied previously. 7) My Ministry is also working on the Terms of Reference to appoint a team of consultants to audit and make recommendations to fundamentally review the whole system of residential care home in Mauritius; 8) As a transition, my Ministry is working, on urgent transitional amendments to be brought to the Residential Care Homes Regulations 2005, to ensure that all licensed homes provide a list of relevant information on their residents on a regular basis to my Ministry, more so, that at present the police is suspecting cases of human trafficking. 9) In the immediacy, the Cabinet recently has agreed to the Proclamation of Section 9 of Protection of Elderly People Act (PEPA), which will allow for better protection of the elderly. 10) In parallel, my Ministry is preparing institutional changes and budget proposals for the massive training of carers to provide their service to both Residential Care Homes institutions and at domicile care. As per policy of my Ministry, intensive consultation will take place in the preparation of the new measures announced. Madam Speaker, I wish to highlight that the Mauritian society is facing major challenges with social mutation underway in recent years. The shift in the family structure, from extended to nuclear family, compounded with aging population, with significant emigration of our youth and adults, with housing crisis, and with working time pattern, are concurrently – • Causing serious caring issues for our elderly and people with disabilities and mental health issues, and • Causing serious caring and nurturing issues for our youth, aggravated by the drug problem in Mauritius. Madam Speaker, our society and institutions have not dedicated the proper attention and resources to these social mutations. Now, the very future of our society will depend on us addressing these fundamental challenges. This is my mission and that of the Junior Minister, and of this Government. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, Dr. Ms. Daureeawo, you are, okay? Hon. First Member for Savanne. I am sorry. Can we backpedal? J’introduis une nouvelle méthode. I am sorry I missed Mr Rookny; I did not see him. I am sorry, Mr Babajee. Mr Rookny, but you have to speak out.

I will. That’s so kind of you. Could the hon. Minister please advise how many licenses have been given for the construction or establishment of new residential care homes over the last two years?

I have the figures since the new board has been appointed. Since September 2025, the new board has approved 70 licences, out of which, 68 licences have been issued as at date. The 70 approvals are detailed as follows – • 64 renewals of licences; • 6 new licences, and • 2 licences which were applied for what is called the INS principle. Approval has been received by the board and has not been granted by my Ministry for noncompliance with law, the Residential Care Home Act 2023.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Mr Babajee. I am trying to be as fair as I can. May I, since we are on this issue because we had a problem the other day with one other member who tried to catch my eye; sometimes it’s better to catch my ear than my eye. Thank you. Now, Mr Babajee, the floor is yours. BLACK RIVER – AVAILABLE FOOTBALL GROUNDS – INFRASTRUCTURAL CONDITIONS (No. B/187) Mr B. Babajee (First Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of Local Government whether, in regard to the Black River district, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) the number of football grounds available thereat, indicating the number thereof which are fully operational, indicating the infrastructural conditions thereof in each case, and (b) whether consideration will be given for the construction of football grounds at Le Morne, Chamarel, Case Noyale and Rivière Noire, respectively.

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 (No. B/188) Mr J. F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to small farmers, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Small Farmers Welfare Fund, information as to the number of registered farmers from mainland Mauritius, Rodrigues Island and Agalega, respectively, over the past five years, indicating the number of farmers of Rodrigues Island – (a) awaiting renewal of their farmers' cards and the expected delivery dates thereof, and (b) benefiting from the Smart Agri-Business Programme, the Farm Production Support Programme, the Risk Management Programme and the Quality-of-Life Programme, respectively.

Thank you very much, hon. François. Madam Speaker, I am informed that farmers are registered with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund in line with Section 16 of the Small Farmers Welfare Fund. Upon their registration, the farmers are provided with a farmer’s card which give them access to facilities and schemes provided by government. The farmer’s card is renewed every two years. There are currently 12,047 farmers registered with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund in Mauritius, and 1,067 farmers registered from Rodrigues. There are no farmers from Agalega registered with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund. With your permission, Madam Speaker, I will table the number of farmers registered with the Small Farmers Welfare Fund for Mauritius and Rodrigues for the last five years, as compiled by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund. As regards part (a), Madam Speaker, I am informed that as at date the Small Farmers Welfare Fund has already sent the 1,067 farmer’s card to the Commission for Agriculture of Rodrigues Regional Assembly for distribution to all farmers who had applied for renewal. Now, the renewal of the farmer’s card for additional farmers would be considered as and when they would apply for renewal. I understand that the Commission for Agriculture has already delivered 609 cards, and the remaining will be delivered within the next two weeks. With regard to part (b), Madam Speaker, I am further informed by the Small Farmers Welfare Fund that a total of 412 registered farmers has benefited from the Small Agri- business Programme, the Farm Production Support Programme, the Risk Management Programme, and the Quality-of-Life Programme over the last five years. I will table the details of all the beneficiaries.

Yes, hon. François!

Merci, l’honorable ministre, pour la rapidité dans l’action après ma question de vendredi dernier. Hier, à Rodrigues, quelques éleveurs et planteurs ont reçu leurs cartes tant attendues depuis longtemps. An hon. Member: Bravo!

Wow!

Est-ce que l’honorable ministre peut confirmer à la Chambre si la SFWF remettra des cartes to all the 1,423 planters, the 424 éleveurs et les 3,027 éleveurs et planteurs de Rodrigues d’ici la fin de l’année ?

This is a tall question, but if you insist and you impress upon me, I will certainly convey the strong signals of a friend and tell them that they have to bow to the legitimate request made by the hon. Member from Rodrigues.

Wow! Thank you, hon. Minister. Thank you. I like this!

Hon. Minister, may I know how much it costs, if you have the information, per year by a farmer for their registration with the SFWF to obtain a farmer’s card.

I will advise you to peruse the document what I will lay on the Table.

Il est insatiable. The hon. Second for Member Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien! BATS – POPULATION INCREASE – CULLING EXERCISE (No. B/189) Mr T. Apollo (Second Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to bats, he will state – (a) whether an increase in the population thereof has been observed, and (b) when the last culling exercise thereof was carried out, and (c) the measures being envisaged to address the impact thereof on local fruits.

Thank you very much, hon. Member. Now, Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) the of the question, I am informed that the National Parks and Conservation Service that has been carrying out surveys on the Mauritius fruit-bat population since 2006. Although, the local bat population has increased from 22,000 in 2006 to around 132,000 in 2020, it has remained stable over the last five years. The most recent survey undertaken in November and December 2025 recorded approximately 120,000 bats across the island. As regard part (b) of the question, I am informed that the last culling exercise was conducted by the previous government in November and December 2020 whereby 1,160 Mauritius fruit-bat were killed. Madam Speaker, the House will note that the Mauritius fruit-bat is listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species and is one of the last remaining native mammals surviving in the Republic of Mauritius. As regards part (c) of the question, it is a fact that the Ministry has to respond to legitimate concern of farmers regarding damages caused by bats. A grant of 50% is offered by Government and the cost of anti-bird nets to cover a maximum of five trees for backyard and 60 tree for orchards. An amount of Rs22.5 million has been disbursed by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute to 2,976 beneficiaries under the Fruit Protection Scheme over a period of November 2024 to March 2026. I am advised that these nets have proven to be an effective means of control against the damages caused by fruit-bats. Nonetheless, following complaints received from planters, other measures such as ultrasound devices and the use of repellents are being envisaged to deter and mitigate caused by bats to fruit crops. Thank you.

All right? Okay! Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes! LATE MRS Y. B – 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL & 7-MONTH-OLD BABY BOY – SAFETY & PROTECTION (No. B/190) Ms S. Anquetil (Second Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare whether, in regard to the three- year-old girl and the seven-month-old baby boy of late Mrs Y. B. she will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the arrangements made to ensure the safety and protection thereof and the assistance extended for the well-being thereof.

Madam Speaker, on 10 March 2026, it was reported in the press that Mrs Y. B. was missing and her partner Mr A.R. was arrested as there was suspected foul play. I am informed that Mrs Y. B. was a victim of domestic violence which was reported to my Ministry to the Family Support Services of Goodlands. She was granted an interim protection order which she later withdrew. On 11 March 2026, following the arrest of Mr A.R., father of two minors, the officers of my Ministry immediately enquired on the whereabouts of the children. They were informed by La Brigade pour la Protection de la Famille that the children were under the care of one Mrs D. N., a friend of the biological father and that Mrs D. N., together with the minors were currently at the Major Crime Investigating Team (MCIT). On the same day, the officers of my Ministry attended the office of the MCIT for a psychosocial assessment of the minors in the presence of Mrs D. N. as she had been designated at that time by the biological father of two children to act as the responsible party for the two minors. I am further informed that later on during that day, the paternal uncle of the minors Mr U.R. attended the MCIT’s office where he expressed the wish to look after the minors. Madam Speaker, on 13 March 2026, the officers of my Ministry effected a site visit at the residence of Mr U. R., at Eau Coulée for a psychological assessment. The paternal uncle, Mr U. R., had informed that the biological father had asked him to look after his children. Consequently, the paternal uncle was entrusted the care and responsibility of the minors. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that on 16 March 2026, the paternal uncle was contacted for an update on the present status of the children and my officers were informed that both minors were faring well. On 20 March 2026, my officers conducted a home visit and the children were found to be faring well. The paternal uncle reiterated his willingness to care for the minors and requested information with regard to the legal procedures to be followed for their custody. An appointment was scheduled by the officers of my Ministry with the legal resource person on 26 March 2026 which Mr U. R, the paternal uncle attended. Legal advice was provided to him. Continuous psychological support is being provided to the minors and close follow-up is being maintained in this case.

Yes!

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Je remercie la Ministre pour sa réponse. L’honorable Ministre peut-elle informer la Chambre si l’oncle paternel qui prend actuellement en charge les deux enfants de Madame B., victime de violence domestique, a lui-même un enfant et le cas échéant, quelle mesure concrète de soutient son ministère a mise en place pour garantir le bien de cette enfant dans ce nouveau cadre familiale ? Merci, Madame la présidente.

Madame la présidente, je suis au courant. Selon les informations, c’est vrai que l’oncle paternel a un enfant, un adolescent de 16 ans, mais le fait est que l’oncle a demandé à ce que les enfants lui soient confiés et nous suivons les enfants, les psychologues de mon ministère suivent les enfants et nous sommes satisfaits que les enfants sont entre de bonnes mains.

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. L’honorable ministre peut-elle informer la Chambre pendant combien de temps l’oncle paternel pourra assumer seul la prise en charge financière de ces deux enfants. Alors qu’aucune aide financière du ministère n’a à ce jour été accordée ? Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente.

Madame la présidente, je ne suis pas en présence d’’une demande dans ce sens mais je pense que s’il y a une telle demande, cela aurait dû être adressée au ministère de la Sécurité sociale.

On la laisse terminer d’abord.

Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente. Will the hon. Minister inform the House whether her Ministry is envisaging to put in place a clear-cut policy to ensure that the children in general are not separated as to fully protect their well-being and best interest. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madame la présidente, c’est effectivement la politique du gouvernement, du ministère, c’est à dire de ne pas séparer les siblings.

Yes?

Merci, Madame la présidente. L’honorable ministre peut-elle informer la Chambre du nombre de visites effectuées par les psychologues de son ministère aux enfants ?

Il y a eu selon mes informations, Madame la présidente, pas moins de trois visites aux enfants.

Okay, good. Now we go to the hon. First Member for Rodrigues, hon. Ms Collet! RODRIGUES – BLUE ECONOMY PROMOTION – IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES – RRA COLLABORATION (No. B/191) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research whether, in regard to the initiatives being led by his Ministry to overcome implementation challenges in the promotion of the blue economy, he will state the benefits for Rodrigues in terms of scientific, technological, innovative and capacity-building initiatives and opportunities for Rodriguan stakeholders in sustainable ocean resource management, following the recent holding of the Blue Economy Roadmap Consultative Workshop, indicating whether any collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly in relation thereto is being envisaged.

Madam Speaker, let me say it from the outset that Rodrigues is not an afterthought in our blue economy agenda but rather a priority. Rodrigues, as a partner, is a living laboratory of innovation, resilience and opportunity. I wish to inform the hon. Member that the Blue Economy Roadmap Consultative Workshop was held under the purview of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries. My Ministry was not the lead convener for that workshop. However, that does not mean that my Ministry has left Rodrigues aside. Through the Higher Education Commission, the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council and the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology Ltd, my Ministry is already supporting Rodrigues through concrete, measurable and ongoing actions. Madam Speaker, on research investment during the five-year period ending in 2025, the MRIC supported 19 research and innovation projects in Rodrigues across blue economy, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, mobilising approximately Rs14.6 million in project value. That is not only symbolism but investment. These projects include the – • Underwater Marine Eco-trail, supporting sustainable marine tourism; • marine ecosystem studies by Shoals Rodrigues; • the Road Blue Forward Initiative by Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd, and • scientific work by Ter-Mer Rodriguez on lagoon dynamics and the socioeconomic implications of sand extraction. Madam Speaker, on stakeholder partnership, the MRIC has signed an MOU with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and operates a dedicated Rodrigues branch anchored on the ground, close to Rodriguan realities. Through the Assises de la Recherche et de l’innovation 2.0, conducted jointly with the RRA, five innovation grants, totalling Rs4.99 million have been awarded with eight further applications currently under review. Rodrigues is not being asked simply to receive policy but Rodrigues is being empowered to shape it. On infrastructure, the MRIC is developing the Rodrigues Blue Innovation Hub to support marine research, seafood value addition, SME development and ecosystem monitoring, building on existing SEMPA facilities and the MRIC branch. At the scientific frontier, MIBL’s Blue Reef Proposal targets climate resilient coral reef restoration through marine genomics, bioprospecting and local coral nurseries, offering Rodriguan researchers, fishers and young people hands-on training in cutting edge science. On human capital, 624 Rodriguan students are currently enrolled in our higher education institution, out of which, 589 in publicly funded institution. They are building the very expertise that will drive Rodrigues’ own blue economy future. Madam Speaker, collaboration with Rodrigues Regional Assembly is not only envisaged, it is already happening. It is already producing results and it will be further strengthened because Rodrigues must not stand at the edge of the blue economy but rather be at its heart.

Yes, happy? Good! Yes?

Madam Speaker, let me just put a supplementary.

(Interruptions)

Lui il se fait entendre ! Voilà!

I thank the hon. Minister for the answer to this pertinent question. Will the hon. Minister confirm whether his Ministry will collaborate with the MRIC to reinforce the suboffice thereat, so that we have many more researchers, many more human resources?

Definitely, as you are aware we had a fire there. So, we are ensuring the Rodrigues branch of MRIC which will soon become the branch of NRII, will be consolidated with additional officers.

Okay, good. Now, we leave Rodrigues? No, we do not. The hon. Second Member for Rodrigues! RODRIGUES – LAND DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT PROJECTS (No. B/192) Mr J. F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of National Infrastructure whether, in regard to the implementation of the Land Drainage Master Plan and National Development Unit Projects for Rodrigues, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to where matters stand.

Madam Speaker, I am informed that the Land Drainage Authority has awarded a contract to Setec Mauritius in February 2025 for the formulation of a Land Drainage Master Plan for Rodrigues, with the view to building climate resilience and reduce Rodrigues’ vulnerability to flooding, taking into consideration the island’s specific topographical, climatic and developmental context. The LDMP aims at proposing a conceptual framework for flood risk management that will guide long term sustainable development and reduce Rodrigues’ exposure to the impacts of climate change. A kick-off meeting was held on 13 March 2025 and the inception report was presented on 23 July 2025, in the presence of several stakeholders, including – • myself; • the Deputy Chief Commissioner; • the Commissioner for Public Infrastructure; • the Commissioner for Agriculture, and representatives from – • the National Development Unit; • Land Drainage Authority; • the Road Development Authority; • the Rodrigues Public Utilities Commission; • the Cadastral Unit of Rodrigues, and • Setec amongst others. The presentation outlined the scope of the LDMP and feedback from the Rodrigues Regional Assembly was also sought with the view to ensuring that the deliverables were aligned with the specific requirements and development vision of Rodrigues. The Inception Report was officially handed over to the Chief Commissioner and the Deputy Chief Commissioner during the presentation. I am informed by the LDA that the final report is expected to be submitted by June 2026. Madam Speaker, as regards the projects being implemented by the National Development Unit, a total of three drain projects to the tune of some Rs174 million are currently ongoing and are at 41% completion. Two projects have been planned for implementation by the NDU in the next financial year, namely – (i) raising of fords at Rivière Cocos, and (ii) raising of fords at Baie du Nord. It is expected that the bidding procedures should in principle be completed by October 2026, subject to financial clearance. I am also informed that six projects are under preparation and the study is expected to be completed by June 2027.

Okay. Next question, yes, hon. Ms Collet. We still remain in Rodrigues. RODRIGUES – MINISTER OF EDUCATION’S MISSION – FINDINGS & OUTCOMES – MEASURES IDENTIFIED (No. B/193) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Education and Human Resource whether, in regard to his recent mission to Rodrigues, he will state the objectives, findings and outcomes thereof, indicating the measures identified, in collaboration with the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, to strengthen educational performance and providing support to the students and their respective families.

Madam Speaker, on various occasions, I have highlighted the importance that my Ministry gives to our children in Rodrigues. That is why the specificities of Rodrigues are always taken onboard when policies are formulated or when it comes to ensuring that these policies are implemented satisfactorily. That is why I undertook an official visit to Rodrigues Island from 20 to 24 February 2026 to inter alia take stock of progress achieved in the implementation of the Foundation Programme in Literacy, Numeracy and Skills. Madam Speaker, during my visit, I participated in a round-table discussion organised by the Deputy Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues Regional Assembly, and attended by the Departmental Head of Education, Rectors, Deputy Rectors, and Senior Educators of the secondary schools. The deliberations focused on the rationale and philosophy behind the Foundation Programme and the importance of setting up of a monitoring committee at school level to follow-up the teaching and learning aspects of the programme. Madam Speaker, during the meeting, I also apprised concerned stakeholders that the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) is presently developing a new elective module, namely Ocean Resources and Fishing for Grade 9 students in Rodrigues. They were also informed of the pathways open to these students after the completion of the National Foundation Certificate of Education. In the same context, I proceeded with the launching of some FPLNS workbooks for students of Grade 7 to 9, which have been developed by the MIE. Madam Speaker, I also took the opportunity of my visit to discuss several critical issues concerning the education sector in Rodrigues with the relevant stakeholders. These included – (i) the possibility of introducing a rotation system for Secondary Educators in schools, under the supervision of the Rodrigues Educational Development Company (REDCO); (ii) the relocation of the Special Education Needs Resource and Development Centre due to its difficult access for students; (iii) the planning requirements arising from the increasing demand for courses at the MITD. Madam Speaker, I also visited the four laureates of the 2025 HSC cohort from Rodrigues, and their parents, at their respective residences. My Ministry also hosted a reception in the honour of the four laureates in Rodrigues itself. This event was attended by the Chief Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and also, responsible for education, and even the four Members of Parliament, here, hon. François, hon. Ms Collet, hon. Ms Henriette- Manan, and Mr Léopold. Madam Speaker, school visits were also part of my agenda. Unfortunately, due to the presence of Cyclone Horacio in the region, a Cyclone Warning Class II was in force, as a result, schools had to close down and the visits had to be cancelled. Thank you.

Ms Collet, you are happy? Last question is for hon. Second Member for Flacq and Bon Acceuil! MIDDLE EAST CRISIS – FOOD SECURITY – LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION – MEASURES (No. B/194) Mr R. Beechook (Second Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil) asked the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries whether, in regard to food security concerns amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, he will state the measures being implemented to boost local food production, particularly, in terms of increasing self-sufficiency in staple crops, supporting farmers with resources, new technologies and diversification.

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I will reply to PQs B/194, B/201 and B/209 together as they relate to the same subject matter. But I will seek the indulgence of the House as the reply is quite lengthy. Madam Speaker, during the period 20…

Hon. Minister, I am sorry. Would it not be possible to communicate the reply?

You want me to circulate it?

Circulate it? No, you do not want. You want to question him? Alright! But we do not have much time!

I cannot, unfortunately, give an abridged version of my reply. Thank you very much. During the period 2014-2024, the priority of the then regime was land speculation. Consequently, there was massive encroachment upon fertile and prime agricultural land. Post COVID-19, food production in Mauritius should have been a national priority. Unfortunately, it was not. Our government is restoring food security as a central pillar of national policy. My Ministry has adopted a proactive and a resilient-driven strategy to protect the food supply of the country in the face of global uncertainties. Rs800 million has been allocated to the Ministry during the Financial Year 2025-2026 to support farmers, planters, breeders through various schemes and assistance programmes. These, amongst others, include sheltered farming, purchase of agricultural equipment, installation of CCTV camera, seed subsidies and reengineering of accompanying measures. The Ministry organised the Assises de l’Agriculture in January 2026. The report of the assises will feed into a food security programme for the year 2026-2029. Discussions during the assises focused on unlocking new resources, identification of new technologies as well as how to achieve diversification to reduce dependency on existing markets. Six strategic priorities were, accordingly, identified during the forum – (i) Food sovereignty and security; (ii) Agriculture/climate and environment nexus; (iii) Environment/plant/animal health; (iv) Value chain and youth engagement; (v) Technology and innovation, and (vi) Good governance and institutional coordination and policy coherence and financing. As soon as the war situation in Iran unfolded, Madam Speaker, I convened an emergency coordination meeting on 03 March 2026 with the relevant technical services and institutions of my Ministry. The utmost priority is for the achievement of quick wins and making sure our local produce is readily available for sale, given the numerous uncertainties. In this context, an action plan has already been prepared by the Ministry regarding immediate actions or low-hanging fruits, medium-term measures and longer strategies that will be considered in view of the conflict in the Middle East or Gulf countries. I, therefore, wish to reassure the House and the public at large that in the immediate future, there is no shortage of affordable vegetables and staple vegetables like onions, potatoes and garlic. There is full supply of fish, poultry meat and eggs from local farms. Moreover, increase in quantities of venison meat will be available on a yearly basis. The Agricultural Marketing Board has already secured additional seed potatoes from France and Netherlands, which are expected to arrive in May 2026, allowing planting to start by early July 2026. This initiative is expected to generate an additional 2,000 tonnes of potatoes over and above the estimated 13,000 tonnes normally produced annually. As at February 2026, the Barkly Experiment Station has a strategic stock of 2 tonnes of vegetable seeds of more than 20 different types of vegetables that can be used to plant over an area of around 2,300 arpents. These seeds are being sold to planters at a highly subsidised price. But we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. For example, the National Farmers Union of UK estimates that the world is about to see the biggest spike in food prices since Russian invasion of Ukraine due to the soaring costs of gas, diesel and fertiliser, and the disruption of shipping routes. Any crisis in the Middle East or Gulf countries sends shockwaves through the global economy. Today’s disruption to the gulf oil supply is already bigger than those of 1970’s. We have to brace ourselves as most oil crises lead to recession. Madam Speaker, my Ministry is actively focusing on the first two strategic priorities, that is, sovereignty, in order to boost local agriculture production along the agriculture/climate/environment nexus to address climate change. Hence, an emergency plan has been prepared by the Ministry to be implemented in the short-term. The plan focuses on import substitution policies and optimising production under the present challenges. These programmes include – • new land resources; • strategies to boost production of local staples such as potato, sweet potato, cassava, bean fruit; • a precision farming scheme which will allow entrepreneurs to access emerging technologies such AI-driven precision farming, use of sensors, drones and high- yielding seeds. May I remind the House that under the Labour-led government, low-glycemic rice was grown in Cluny and on sale in supermarkets. A Household Food Security Scheme will be launched to allow backyard farming. I will now elaborate on a number of concrete measures which are being implemented, namely – 1. Creation of an agricultural land bank at my Ministry and mobilisation of land by the State Investment Trust, Rose Belle Sugar Estate and Landscope Mauritius Ltd for the cultivation of potatoes and other strategic crops so as to increase the strategic buffer stocks of essential crops such as potatoes, onions, garlic from six weeks to nine weeks. 2. Provisions of grant provided by Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, and Small Farmers Welfare Fund to help farmers to modernise the agricultural activities, improve both productivity and adopt locally manufactured fertilisers. 3. Distribution to farmers at highly subsidised prices of fast-growing crops such as beans, cowpeas, leafy vegetables, cabbage that can be harvested within two to three months. 4. Strengthening cold chain storage systems and agro-processing capacity for the transformation of key crops in order to reduce post-harvest loses from small farmers and extend the shelf life of agricultural produce. The Ministry is presently engaging with private sector operators such as CopeSud and Best Foods on this issue. 5. Diversification of import sources and procurement arrangement for potatoes, onions and garlic to reduce supply risk. 6. Monitoring of prices in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection and to ensure there is no abusive practices. 7. Reliable access to irrigation water and improve agricultural yields by developing irrigation schemes through this Irrigation Authority and encouraging farmers to exploit boreholes in the fields. 8. Improving the ease of doing agri-business through small planters through one stop shop strategy. The Small Farmers Welfare Fund will act as a facilitator. Madam Speaker, food security also concerns the availability of meat and livestock products. In this regard the Division of Veterinary Services of my Ministry has initiated the diversification of import sources for livestock. The Division has explored the possibility of importing parent poultry stock from Kenya and Zambia.

Hon. Minister, may I? We already…time is…

If time is up, I would have circulated. My friend insisted that I should...

How long more do you have?

Well, if time is up, time is up, okay. I would circulate.

Yes, thank you. We won’t be able to have a supplementary. Time is up! More than a few minutes anyway. So, time is up now. Thank you very much, hon. Minister, sorry.

That’s alright. I am used to that now.

It was a very important question. I now have to announce, hon. Members, I have a series of questions that have been withdrawn, of course. So, now I will list them: B/195, B/196, B/197, B/202, B/204, B/205, B/206, B/207, B/208, B/210, B /211, B/212, B/214, B/215, B/216, B/217, B/219, B/220, B/222, B/223, B/225, B/228 and B/229. Thank you very much. Hon. Members, I want to tell you that if I close my eyes, it’s because of the lights. The Broadcasting lights which you don’t get but I get. I will try and get special glasses.