March 24, 2011 -- The residents of La Misere who were affected by the 21st February 2010 water pollution incident by the construction company Ascon, will be receiving compensation following the signing of an agreement today at the Attorney General's Office.

The Government of Seychelles, with the mediation and intervention of the Department of the United Arab Emirates President's Affairs, has reached an agreement with Ascon for the payment of compensation to all eligible residents who were affected by the consumption of polluted water.

The disbursement of the compensations will be handled by a committee which will be appointed by President James Michel.

Payment of compensation will be subject to satisfaction of all legal and documentary requirements by claimants, who will be asked to sign full and final release and discharge letters.

"We would like to express our deeply felt gratitude to the Department of UAE President's Affairs and to its chairman for the continued support and facilitation of negotiations between the Government and Ascon. The support of the UAE has been crucial to the early resolution of this matter," said President Michel.

The President added that this reaffirms the deep ties of friendship and cooperation between the leaders and the peoples of the Seychelles and the UAE.