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Contract for construction of second phase of Praslin ferry passenger terminal signed |06 May 2022

Contract for construction of second phase of Praslin ferry passenger terminal signed

SPA chief executive Brutus and Mr Hirani signing the contract (Photo: Romano Laurence)

The contract for construction work on the second phase of the Praslin ferry passenger terminal building estimated to cost R14.8 million was signed recently.

Praslin-based Harikrishna Builders secured the contract and will soon be undertaking the construction work on the terminal building, now that the construction contract has been signed.

The first phase of the passenger terminal, which was the construction of a jetty, was completed in August 2020. The second phase ‒ the construction of the passenger terminal building ‒ is being financed by the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA).

SPA chief executive Ronny Brutus signed the construction contract on behalf of the authority and Nilesh Hirani signed on behalf of Harikrishna Builders.

The signing was witnessed by Minister for Transport Antony Derjacques, members of the National Assembly for the island, district administrators, SPA deputy chief executive Egbert Moustache, Harikrishna Builders founder Laxman Hirani, SPA board members, officials and various Praslinois stakeholders.

The signing was followed by the laying of the foundation stone by Minister Derjacques, Mr Nilesh Hirani and Mr Lakman Harini in a short ceremony held at the site.

The Praslinois community is expected to benefit from the new passenger terminal for ferries which will be located at the Eve Island Annex, adjacent to the current cargo terminal.

Two other important elements of the development of the new terminal is a traffic management plan which is expected to eliminate the congestion problem that is prevalent at the current passenger terminal and de-silting which is necessary to ensure comfortable movement of vessels in the area. Both are expected to start soon.

Addressing guests at the signing, Mr Brutus noted that the development of Praslin has been dependent on connectivity with the main island and the port facilities have played a vital role in facilitating this.

“As we are well aware, maritime connectivity between the islands is of high importance and Praslin, being the second main island, is a well visited destination for both locals and visitors. According to latest statistics, more than 500,000 passengers travel between Mahe and Praslin each year and that shows the level of traffic between the two islands. This displays the importance of port facilities and the need to ensure that they are of high standards,” explained Mr Brutus.

“Over the years, there has been a remarkable increase in the level of service being offered by ferry operators and it is only fair that this is complemented by high level port infrastructures as well,” he further added.

He also pointed out that the project has taken into consideration the contribution and requirements of boat operators and other stakeholders from the maritime sector.

“We appreciate their contributions and also salute the work of the all SPA staff who have worked on the project despite many challenges,” he remarked.

Minister Derjacques reminded everyone present that travelling between the islands has improved significantly over time and this is the result of the collective effort of different stakeholders.

“Let us not forget the era when schooners were the main means of transportation between Mahe and other islands, including Praslin. Today, with the increase in the number of visitors, our Seychellois investors have been enthusiastic to develop the sector with the introduction of high speed ferries, which makes journeying between the islands much faster. It is such investments which help improve our level of service as a touristic destination. The introduction of this new passenger terminal displays the government’s and the SPA’s commitment in doing their part to improve our islands’ connectivity as well,” Minister Derjacques shared.

The construction work is expected to last six months and by the end of October, Minister Derjacques has expressed his wishes to meet up with all stakeholders for the opening of the terminal building which comprises an arrival lounge, a departure lounge, ticketing offices for ferry operators, VIP facilities and other passenger amenities.

He anticipates a general increase in operations standards, levels of service and comfort which will highlight our Seychellois charm and hospitality.

 

Nadia Bedier

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