Stakeholders assess progress on the Bel Ombre jetty project |23 August 2019

So far maintenance work has been carried out on an existing pontoon bridge used by leisure boats to load clients for excursions and other activities

More community involvement so that the Bel Ombre jetty project is co-managed will be the key element behind the venture, principal secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Alan Renaud has said.

Mr Renaud made the statement yesterday during a visit at the project site by stakeholders to see and assess the progress made and also possibilities of extension and other facilities that can be accommodated.

Also present at yesterday’s site viewing was chief executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), Ronny Brutus, along with Calvin Gerry, the deputy chief executive of the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) and other senior staff from both organisations.

Until yesterday, work done on the proposed site was maintenance work on an existing pontoon bridge used by leisure boats to load clients for excursions and other activities.

The presence of temporary Pier Master Office was also visible and according to Mr Renaud, the temporary facility was completed in June.

The next phase of the project will include fencing which will be the stepping stone for the entire project.

The Bel Ombre jetty project was initiated after it was found necessary to address the many issues and problems including noise pollution, littering and lack of proper designation at the jetty as a result of increased activity at the port and lack of security.

It will also cater for the maintenance and readjustment of the landing shed for the district fishing community.

Mr Renaud explained that the idea is to bring every onboard and through various community meetings, involving the district’s community, they discussed various ways the project can be better carried out and how the completed facilities can be better managed and what infrastructure need to be put in place so that the government and private sector can offer the public, tourists and all who use the jetty a service of high standard.

He added that such meetings and involvement of the community will expand the project’s membership.