December 7 explosion Businesses in Providence Industrial Estate react |12 December 2023
Party and More: Before and after the explosion
Accessibility to glass for windows, doors and showrooms and the urgency to conduct building inspections to facilitate a swift return to normalcy were some of the main concerns raised by business owners operating in the Providence Industrial Estate.
Most of them had their businesses partly or entirely affected by the December 7 explosion that originated from the Civil Construction Company Limited (CCCL) in Petit Paris.
Some of the business owners who spoke to Seychelles NATION yesterday said they were generally satisfied with the authority’s response to tackle the situation, especially with regard to securing their businesses, despite initial frustration soon after the explosion on how the matter was being handled.
Apart from the maintenance and cleaning work that was going on yesterday, representatives from the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) and the Industrial Estates Authority (IEA) were on site for building inspections, distribution of occupancy certificates, as well as support for businesses seeking alternate locations or setting up temporary structures.
There were also representatives from insurance companies who brought their services closer for the benefit of businesses that had not yet settled their claims.
“Given that we are operating a showroom, the most important thing is to get glass as quickly as possible for our windows and doors. Furthermore we do not know how long it will take for the authorities to give the green light for the building following their inspection. In the meantime we are doing some cleaning and maintenance work while we wait on their decision,” said Cheryl Lee from Kimkoon Motors.
“The building needs to be assessed very fast for the safety of the customers and staff. The authority’s response has been good, they secured my place and there were enough security around to prevent thefts. Apart from looking for glass, I am also just waiting on them for a response on the safety of the premises and also the permission to start my business,” said Medar Tambara from Island Fried Chicken.
“It is ok for the authority to have responded and reacted in that manner given it is the first time we have experienced such disastrous incident but I think they should have a better plan now on how to tackle such a situation if it happens again in the future to avert frustrations. On the whole everything is going according to plan even though it will take some time for things to settle and get back in order. I hope the estate will be up and functioning pretty soon,” said a representative of Jean-Paul Take Away and Snack Shop.
“The authorities have been in contact with us and they have all been very helpful. We were given access to our business and for that we are grateful. The assessment of the infrastructure has been done and we are waiting for their response. Procedures always take time and we do understand that especially this kind of situation we are in,” said Enrique Beaufond from JBL Auto Parts.
“I think there should be more bins close by to discard litter. Other than that everything is going fine for me. I got people to help me clean the place, you have to stand on your own at times if you want to achieve something and fast instead of being dependent and I am waiting for a response on if the place is safe to start such a business. I need some glass very fast,” said Nichole Patel, owner of ‘Party’s and More’, a party accessory shop.
Apart from those who were doing maintenance and cleaning of their properties, Lynn Marie, the owner of ‘Our Price’, a clothing store and fashion accessories, was seen vacating her boutique. She had been operating her business in the estate for the past twenty years.
“I have been allocated space by one of my friends who has a boutique in Victoria for only the period of December and I will wait on the decision if such businesses will be allowed to operate here again given that I have heard the place will be turned into an industrial estate as per its initial purpose.”
The government, through the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry is undertaking a plan to facilitate and allow businesses to resume normal operations as fast as possible. Since yesterday, a team of relevant authorities are on site to carry out inspections, and check whether the buildings were safe for normal operations. When the inspections are concluded, there will be a ‘fast-track’ system whereby the proprietor would be issued with a certificate as fast as possible. The proprietors would have to ensure that certain things are in order, such as electrical wirings before they are issued with a certificate to operate.
The accompanying photos show work in progress to try and put the various businesses back on their feet.
Text & photos by Patrick Joubert
