President James Michel has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the rehabilitation projects of the storm in January resulting in Felleng flooding disaster, following a visit to the districts of Pointe Larue, Anse Aux Pins and Au Cap today. The projects include repair and reconstruction of retaining walls, drainage systems and roads which are funded under the National Disaster Relief Fund in coordination with the Taskforce Committee.

The President said that he has seen improvements in the affected areas and that families affected had been assisted to rehabilitate their homes. He commended all Ministries and agencies involved in coordinating the different rehabilitation projects. He noted that though those projects are very costly, the Government has managed to tackle the priority areas and confirmed that other families affected and homes that were damaged will be attended to in the coming months.

“Altogether, I think it shows the determination of the Government and the population in general in ensuring that families badly affected are assisted so that they can continue with their normal lives. The families which I have been able to visit today have shown satisfaction with the works done, although they took some time to complete, but they will provide them with some security in the future,” said the President.

The President has called for more mitigating efforts in the future so that flooding events can be prevented from happening again in those areas, and has asked Ministries and agencies concerns to ensure that all the outstanding infrastructures problems are resolved as well as making thorough inspections in surrounding areas of the main flooding. He also commended the Planning Authority for being stricter when considering planning permission for construction work as well as for sensitizing the public on the best practice when undertaking construction works.

The President and his delegations also visited two other projects in the South West of Mahe. He first toured the new sewerage treatment plant for the Anse Gaulette Housing Estate at Baie Lazare as well as for individual houses in that vicinity. He was briefed on the capacity of the sewerage system and how it will mitigate the sewerage issues for that area. 

Mr. Michel then visited the Ex-Indian Ocean Nursery (Ex-ION), which will be developed into a housing estate that will benefit people leaving in the Grand Anse Mahe, Anse Boileau and Port Glaud areas. This regional project will comprise 84 housing units and forms part of larger housing projects being funded by the Abu Dhabi government.

“I believe these two projects show the Government’s determination to improve the lives of its people and providing them with decent houses. The proposal at Ex-ION forms part of a larger housing  projects to be built in areas such Bel Ombre and Takamaka.....We will continue to build homes in the different districts, so that those who are used to living in their district can continue to stay in their community. I wish to thank the Abu Dhabi government for the grant given to Seychelles in order to construct the 180 units in these districts,” ended President Michel.

The Ex-ION project is expected to be tendered by next year and finalised in 2015.

Editor’s Note:

• The President was accompanied on his visits by the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports, Mr. Vincent Meriton, to note Minister Meriton is also the Chairman of the Taskforce Committee, Minister for Land Use and Housing, Mr. Christian Lionnet, the Secretary General of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, Principal Secretary for Community Development, Mr. Denis Rose, Principal Secretary for Project Planning and Implementation, Yves Choppy, Director General for Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Doreen Arnephy, Project Manager for MLUH, Mr. Keith Arnephy and other officials from the Ministry of Land Use and Housing.
• At Pointe Larue District, the President was met by Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue, Honourable Jennifer Vel. At Anse aux Pins District, by Member of the National Assembly for Anse Aux Pins, Honourable Meggy Marie and action District Administrator, Mrs. Doris Esther, Au Cap district by Member of the National Assembly for Au Cap, Honourable Murielle Marie.
• For other projects in Baie Lazare and Grand Anse Mahe districts, the President was met by Member of the National Assembly for Baie Lazare, Mr. Wilby Lucas and District Administrator, Ms. Joyce Lepathy and Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Mahe, Mr. Lenny Lebon and District Administrator, Mrs. Raymonde Benstrong.