President James Michel visited the Baie Ste Anne Praslin district today, as part of his ongoing programme to remain connected with the community as well as to see the status of developments on Eve Island for different projects undertaken there.
The districts' representatives met with President Michel and his delegation, whereby they briefed him on the status of projects on Eve Island, on-going programmes, proposal for future developments as well as the district's achievements and challenges, such as the delays in survey works for allocation of land on Praslin.
Following his visits, the President said that he is satisfied with what he has seen but he felt that the projects could have been developed much faster although he understand the constraints in their implementation.
"I have seen progress at the commercial port being built on Eve Island as well as other projects such proper quay for passengers as well as other commercial infrastructures in that area. The Eve Island and other parts reclaimed are an important component in the economic development of Praslin as it will be the main port where all commercial activities will take place, thus it will create business opportunities for many Seychellois," said President Michel.
On Eve Island, the President and his delegation visited other on-going projects as well, such as the Fire Station which is costing the government SR21.5 million. This project which is in an advanced stage is expected to be completed by November 2014. The construction of swimming pool is a corporate social responsibility project between the government and Vijay Construction expected to complete in September 2014. He was also briefed on the road and drainage infrastructures.
President Michel visited the Marie-Jeanne Estate Court, where the districts' representatives explained the need for a sports centre for the housing estate. The President had highlighted that the development of the young people and their talents is very important as it keeps them away from negative influences and develops their capacities, so that Seychelles becomes among the best sportsmen the Indian Ocean, thus the importance to review the sports facilities that already exist.
"One of the component which I have visited is the construction of the swimming pool on Eve Island, which will be of use to both the youths on Praslin and La Digue as well other inner islands. So far, only the youths on Mahe have the chance to develop their skills in swimming, but now with this new swimming pool it will help the young people on Praslin to develop themselves and to participate at national level. There are other sports infrastructures that are important to develop on the island, for example, Praslin is well known for the best Judokas but for those that do this sport, they do not have a proper facility to practice and I feel that there is an urgent need to construct a proper facility that other indoor games can benefit from, as well as other sports activities," President Michel emphasized.
The President and his delegation visited the homes of several families in the Baie Ste Anne district, among which were the Payet family, and the Laurence family , who recently lost their son, Andy Laurence in a tragic accident at Cote D'or. Visits to these homes were an opportunity for the President to know their aspirations, constraints, renew acquaintances and to comfort those that have lost their close relatives recently.
President Michel described his visit to Baie Ste Anne Praslin as fruitful and impressive. He said that it has helped him to see and understand for himself what is the status projects and feels that they are going in the right direction.
Editor's Note:
President Michel was accompanied on this visit by the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, Mr. Joel Morgan, the Secretary General of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, Chief Executive Officer for the Seychelles Fishing Authority, Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseaux, Chief Executive Officer for the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Agency, Mr. Andre Morel, Member of the National Assembly for the Baie Ste Anne Praslin district, Mrs. Nathasia Esther, Central Committee Member for Baie Ste Anne Praslin, Mrs. Rannie Jeanne, the Director General Public Affairs in the Office of the President, Mrs. Doreen Arnephy, District Administrator for Baie Ste Anne Praslin, Mr. Kenneth Pointe.