Krishna Mart development project helps English River district authority |20 February 2024

MNA Labonté (Photo: Kurtrine Albert)

The Krishna Mart development project in English River is supporting the district authority with some of its ongoing work to turn the place into a friendly, cleaner and safer environment for the residents and general public.

Elected member of the National Assembly of the English River district, Andy Labonté made the comment during a press briefing with the media yesterday on the development of the ex-Krishna Mart supermarket, where a new complex is being built.

Mr Labonté said the authority approached the project’s developer, Rajah Pillay, to see how the district could also benefit.

“We wanted to see how we could accommodate all the other developments in favour of our residents, while he is undertaking his project,” said Mr Labonté.

Among the work to be carried out by the developer is the clearing of the whole area from the development site up to Swimblue Seychelles. The developer will also carry out desilting of a nearby marsh, which is a concern during high tides for nearby residents.

All the work is being done free of charge, according to Mr Labonté who added he hopes all these will help alleviate the concerns put forward by some annoyed residents in the central district bordering the capital Victoria.

“There a lot of anti-social activities taking place in this area, especially involving former Apdar clients who gather after their treatment and this poses an inconvenience to the public who are unhappy about this. Once the place is cleared it will discourage them from grouping around here,” explained Mr Labonté.

Another issue is the number of private car owners who use the area as a parking space. They claim to be working, while at the same time it is alleged they are engaging in anti-social activities such as drug trafficking, said the MNA.

“We want to see more control and order in the area, and respect for each other, so that parents feel at ease when they send their kids to school, and business owners also feel safe, because at present this is not the case,” he added.

“Krishna Mart is a landmark and we want to give it more value; a place where families and the public in general feel welcome and safe,” stated Mr Labonté.

The Krishna Mart development project will have a lot of new facilities alongside a supermarket, residential complex, and restaurant among others.

Also present for yesterday’s press briefing was English River district administrator Jancy Volcère.

Kassey Govinden