President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by Vice-President Ahmed Afif and a technical team from various agencies, visited key sites on Praslin and La Digue yesterday to assess progress on coastal protection projects addressing erosion.

The visit focused on evaluating the short-term effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented in 2024, with an eye toward adjustments and long-term solutions.

On Praslin, the delegation inspected Anse Kerlan’s "Ros Korbizo," where severe wave activity continues to challenge existing rock armouring. A proposal was presented to install an offshore breakwater to reduce wave intensity, protect the shoreline and adjacent road, and restore the beach. Other areas visited included Lablache Estate, Cap Sammy, and Anse Lazio, where future phases will involve measures such as groynes, sheet piling, and additional rock armouring to combat erosion.

On La Digue, President Ramkalawan examined progress at L’Union Estate, highlighting agricultural transformations through vegetable and livestock farming. Coastal sites such as Anse Severe and Source d’Argent were also reviewed, where scheduled works aim to install protection barriers and rehabilitate beaches and desilt the Lanmar Soupap.

President Ramkalawan expressed satisfaction with the strides made in safeguarding the coastline, infrastructure, and trees along the shoreline.

However, he emphasized the need to intensify efforts and explore tailored solutions for each erosion-prone zone.
Work agreed upon during the visit is set to commence next week, marking a continued commitment to preserving the islands’ natural heritage and vital infrastructure.

Summary of works and locations:

• Anse Lazio - Pilot project with vinyl sheet piling of 500m. (Praslin)
• Ros Korbizo - Close to ros korbizo, a breakwater of about 250m and along same road stretch moving towards the airport, some reclamation and groynes. (Praslin)
• Cap Sammy - 2 groynes of about 20m length to protect against seasonal erosion on the beach. (Praslin)
• Anse Severe - Timber piling along the most severely affected areas. (La Digue)
• Anse Source D'Argent - Rehabilitation of the stone walls and walkways to also protect the vegetation. (La Digue)
• Lanmar Soupap - major desilting to improve the drainage capacity on the la digue plateau. (La Digue) 

Also present for the visit were, the Minister for Land and Housing, Mr Billy Rangasamy, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Mrs Devika Vidot, the Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Hon. Wavel Woodcock, the Chief Executive Officer for Seychelles Infrastructure Agency, Mr Jitesh Shah,  Principal Secretary for Lands, Mr Denis Barbe, Principal Secretry for Climate Change, Mr Tony Imaduwa, Director General Ms Dorayne Calderin Torres, Director General, Mr  Justin Prosper, Executive Director, Mr. Ramgie Pillay, the Principal Climate Adaptation Officer, Ms. Annie Simeon, the Liason Officer for Praslin, Mr Vincent Cedras and the Chief Executive Officer for La Digue, Mr Loncy Micock.