Island Compost, an environment-friendly business at Au Cap |12 September 2016

Island Compost is a compost-making business located at La Plaine St Andre, Au Cap and owned by Alex Houareau assisted by his wife Santasha Houareau.

They started the business end 2014 and in November this year it will be two years old. Alex, 35, studied graphics design at the School of Visual Arts some 17 years ago. He still can draw but has this passion for agriculture as his father used to have his own livestock and vegetable farm where he used to help a lot, especially with the livestock.

Alex explains how the compost business idea came about:

“The business idea came about after a certain place badly needed coconut husks after their machines were on the verge of breaking down. Then I decided to launch into that business,” he says.

But to his disappointment, that company told him they will not be needing the products after he has started getting them together.

He says they then asked him to lower the prices which he says he did not consider it fair to do so.

“So it was then that I decided to make compost mixed with the coconut husks and sell to individuals,” Alex says.

Regarding the demand for such product, Alex said mostly individuals are buying it with some tourist establishments purchasing it from time to time. Some farms are also buying.

“Such a business is new here in Seychelles but it is attracting people’s interests. I am satisfied with what I am currently gaining out of it,” says Alex.

Alex prepares the compost himself and take on his brother from time to time on a casual basis. But he wishes to get someone to assist him in the daily production, someone who will put much love and care when producing it just like he does.

For now Island Compost distributes some at Reginald Hoareau’s flower selling business in the north of Mahé. Alex says Mr Hoareau has been a faithful client.

He also sells out based on order at the agriculture shop at Providence and is willing to distribute to more outlets.

“Most sales are done at my yard at La Plaine St Andre, Au Cap. We sell on Sundays and public holidays but Mr Hoareau prefers clients phone first before they call on him at Au Cap.

Alex says he gets positive feedback from clients and most come back for more. He also listens to what they have to say or what they would like.

Island Compost takes on orders and also delivers to customers. But if the delivery is more than 20 bags, an extra cost is added for use of the truck. He can increase delivery when he gets his own truck. Island Compost also sells by tons.

Island Compost is also environment friendly. Alex says it has been a while since he’s been helping in reducing branches that could have been dumped in the landfill by accepting them for free at his yard.

“It benefits both the landscapers and me. It's a win, win situation. They save on fuel, save on the landfill dumping fee, save their daily working hours as it is not far for those working in the east, south and west and they also help the planet too,” says Alex.

He said his black gold (the name he gives his compost) is beautiful and is very well decomposed. It takes more than six months before packing is done.

They are affordable products which come in different categories.

“I make rough compost, refined compost, small or big gunny bags, coconut husks for orchids, landscape mulch for beautifying your garden or pot which comes in different colours. Last but not least I also have top soil,” says Alex.

He says he adds new products if there is demand. 

Alex strongly believes in delivering good quality products, the same, he says, he would like to get from others.

He appreciates his wife for all her help, selling and marketing skills, kindness and honesty in running the business while he is at work. Alex is a fully employed excavator operator and Island Compost is his off-duty business managed by his wife in his absence.

He would like to thank all his clients for believing in him, a Seychellois, and in helping his business grow.

“Together, we will surely achieve a greener Seychelles,” Alex concludes. 

Alex can be reached on telephone number 2573112. You can either call of send an SMS but only until 8.30pm latest.

M.J.