33 high impact community development projects inaugurated |02 November 2019

The first of the 33 high impact community development projects being undertaken in Seychelles at Anse Boileau secondary school were inaugurated recently.

It was the high commissioner of India, General Dalbir Singh Suhag, who formally inaugurated the projects.

The project on ‘Construction of boundary wall and renovation at Anse Boileau secondary school’ funded under India’s grant assistance is being implemented by Seychelles-based All Weather Construction, thereby directly contributing to more employment opportunities for Seychellois.

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner Suhag said he was happy to note that with this event, the execution of projects had started for the first phase costing R35 million (US $2.5 million) for the 33 projects spread across various ministries and departments including local government, primary and secondary schools and department of culture in Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

The project at Anse Boileau secondary school in particular costing R2 million (INR 10 Million), covers the construction of boundary wall, leveling the floor, reinstating windows etc. These projects not only generate more employment and business opportunities to Seychellois, but also touch the lives of each and every individual.

This event also coincided with the two year-long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of the world epitome of peace and non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi. The United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring his birthday, October 2, as the ‘International Day of Non-Violence’.

Speaking at the event, the high commissioner explained some of the principles that Gandhiji practiced and propagated through his life and which are worthwhile to stand by even to this date. Some of the ideas he spoke on, included, 'non-violence, simplicity, sustainable living practices etc.

The government of India, taking the footsteps of the Mahatma, has pioneered many initiatives for fighting against climate change and for sustainability including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), wherein more than 75 countries have already ratified their cooperation and Seychelles is one of the founding members of the ISA and will be availing solar implementations to the extent of US $8.7 million under this development partnership arrangement for rooftop solar installations in various government buildings, housing units and solar street lighting in various locations in Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

The government of India has committed more than US $1 billion concessional credit lines for the solar projects under ISA in African countries alone.

High Commissioner Suhag donated 35 solar table-top study lamps, which were made in India, fitted with solar panels to the deserving students from secondary 4 for their board exam preparations. As a special gesture and on the request of the head teacher of the school, the high commissioner also donated a collection of 51 books covering various genres from India for the Anse Boileau secondary school, as part of the ‘International School Library Month’ celebrations.

The event was also attended by the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Jeanne Simeon and the principal secretary for education, Dr Odile Comarmond.

Speaking at the event, head teacher Gina Labiche profoundly thanked the high commissioner for the kind gesture and appreciated the efforts taken by the high commission of India. Students and teachers of the school presented an artisanal giant tortoise to the high commissioner as a token of appreciation.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the ceremony.

Contributed