Stakeholders visit Roche Caiman market site, ahead of final plans |29 October 2022
(L to r) Minister Joubert, Mr Shah and Mr Nancy speaking to the media on site (Photo: MACCE)
As government forges ahead with plans to set up a new market at Roche Caiman, a visit was held to the site yesterday morning.
Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE) Flavien Joubert, together with prinicipal secretary for agriculture Keven Nancy and chief executive of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency Jitesh Shah, visited the unoccupied plot earmarked for the development some years ago, and which is to replace the makeshift farmers’ market next to Plaisance school, and opposite the Roche Caiman Butcher’s Grill.
The current ‘farmers’ market’, while being a convenient location for vendors to sell their agricultural produce for consumers residing in the vicinity and passers-by, often causes traffic congestion on the stretch of road from the Roche Caïman petrol station to the Plaisance junction.
It was in October 2020 that cabinet approved the proposed redevelopment project, initiated in 2018. However, the plan for the project is presently still being finalised.
As per Mr Shah, an important component of the project is to retain the trees found in the green space, with only a few of the plants to be cut down, in order to make way for the vendors.
To resolve the issue of congestion, there will be two designated spaces for parking on either side of the market. The authorities have decided upon semi-permeable surfacing for these spaces, to allow for proper drainage and eliminate the risks of water accumulation, considering the flatness.
Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Roche Caiman, Audrey Vidot, who was also present, expressed on behalf of constituents concerns over the makeshift market, with the Plaisance school having concerns regarding hygiene, as some vendors leave behind rubbish and remnants of their produce.
She however noted that with the severe lack of space within the district, constituents still need to be able to use the park leisurely, as is the case at present.
For his part, Minister Joubert committed to making the final plan available to the district administrator and MNA for consultation by residents.
He also assured that the ministry will be on-hand for the consultation process.
“Regarding the Green Space, one of the things which we are considering is separating the market from the green space, as we cannot have something which might eventually grow by itself. We need to actually separate it either with a wall, planters or something which will stop people from actually jumping a barrier or so. We want the market to be clearly demarcated, and for the park to remain as a park, which has nothing to do with the market. We could even use a gate,” he said.
“One of the other points which were raised was also access to toilet facilities. We need to have a toilet here and someone manning it, to avoid issues similar to what we have at the other site. Included in the proposed plan are toilet facilities for those who are accessing the market, as well as those visiting the area in general,” Minister Joubert added.
Management of the site is another element which is also under discussion.
Laura Pillay