President Wavel Ramkalawan upon his return to the country late yesterday afternoon paid a visit to key locations on the island affected by heavy rains during the past few days.

Accompanied by the Vice President, Mr Ahmed Afif, relevant ministers and a team of technicians, President Ramkalawan toured the sites and held comprehensive discussions at the various affected locations with the objective of identifying the issues and to agree on the immediate and long-term remedial actions required.

The first location visited was the Pointe Larue area near the Airport Cargo Terminal as well as further up near UCPS. Although the water level has considerably been reduced, discussions on more proactive measures required to minimize the impact of flooding in this zone was discussed and actions such as  the desilting of rivers in the vicinity and more regular clearing of the drains will be critical to remedy the situation.

Leaving Point Laure, the Presidential delegation made various stops to key locations in the South of Mahe, including Turtle Bay, Anse Aux Pins near ‘La Rousette’  and surrounding properties in that area. In Au Cap and Anse Royale, farms desilting of rivers and new drainage designs and plans will need to be implemented.

All departments, technical agencies and stakeholders present have been assigned specific tasks during the coming days with daily reporting of works to be submitted to the Seychelles Flood Free Committee. Works that have been ongoing since the weekend will continue and directives have been given by the President that during the course of this week to intensify works to ensure at least a sense of normalcy is resumed in all the affected areas by flooding. Works or zones requiring more intensive long-term interventions are also being discussed where priority funding will be reassigned to implement the remedial action.

The President took this opportunity to express appreciation to all the teams who have been involved over the weekend and have been working tirelessly since, to ensure the situation did not aggravate.  “Looking at the various actions taken and the dedication of the teams on site, I wish to commend all of you for the hard work. Although the weather conditions have not been ideal and at times tough, you have made it your duty to be present and support the communities in alleviating the situation. We need to continue in this direction and I call on all the relevant departments and agencies to implement their action and remain alert at all times.”

The President has also expressed appreciation to the team, who after the floods in Victoria took all necessary actions and noticed that their prompt actions have ensured that in the latest bad weather, no incidents were reported in the Victoria area, including Corgate Estate.

During his tour, the President also paid a courtesy visit to the Salomon Family at Au Cap to personally present his condolences following the recent passing of family members during the motor vehicle accident at Grand Anse, Mahe.