The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, has received a detailed briefing on three major energy and water projects set to transform utility services on Praslin. The presentation was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), Mr Joel Valmont.
The projects, a major increase in generation capacity, a new desalination plant and the island's first major dam, respond to Praslin's growing demand for electricity and its long-standing vulnerability to water shortages during the dry season.
Praslin Generation Upgrade
The first project, already under way, will increase production capacity at the Praslin power station. It will replace four old generators dating from 1980, each with a capacity of 400 kW and together generating 1,600 kW. The new generators have a capacity of 2,300 kW each, a combined 9,200 kW, giving PUC greater flexibility to meet demand on Praslin. When one generator is taken offline for maintenance, the station will still have enough capacity to supply the island.
Mr Valmont informed the President that the foundations are complete and the new substation and 11 kV switchgear have been commissioned. The generating sets have arrived on Mahé and are scheduled for shipment to Praslin on 27 November 2026. The project is due for completion in the third quarter of 2027.
The engineering, procurement and construction contract is valued at EUR 14.6 million, with a further SCR 10 million in local expenses. The project is financed through a loan from Nouvobanq.
Amitié Desalination Plant
The second project is a containerised reverse osmosis desalination plant with a capacity of 1,000 cubic metres per day, to be installed at the former SPTC site near the airport at Amitié, Grand Anse Praslin.
The plant has been received as a grant from the United Arab Emirates. PUC estimates a further SCR 10 million for the seawater intake, foundations and transport of the plant from Mahé to Praslin.
The site layout has been submitted to the Planning Authority for review and approval. Works are due to start in the first quarter of 2027, with commissioning targeted for the end of the second quarter.
Plaine Hollandaise Dam
The third and largest project is the proposed Plaine Hollandaise Dam on the Pasquière River, which will be Praslin's first major reservoir and a long-term guarantee of water supply in the dry season.
The dam will have a live storage capacity of 534,140 cubic metres. It will be served by a water treatment plant capable of producing 2,030 cubic metres per day and a 1.15 kilometre connection pipeline.
The design was completed in March 2026, and the environmental and social impact assessment is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2027. The project carries an indicative cost of USD 12 million, with construction estimated at 34 months, subject to land, funding and approvals.
Tour of Baie Ste Anne Power Station
Following the presentation, President Herminie was taken on a tour of the PUC power station at Baie Ste Anne by Mr Valmont. He was accompanied by the Member of the National Assembly for Baie Ste Anne, Hon. Churchill Gill, the Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Hon. Alvin Grandcourt, and high-level officials.
The President was briefed on the noise abatement project completed at the station in 2022. PUC fitted more soundproof roof cladding and installed acoustic panels all around the station, in response to noise pollution affecting the surrounding community. Four years on, noise in the area has been reduced to a relatively low level.
The engagement with PUC formed part of the President's working visit to the inner islands, with today marking the third leg of the visit.