National Assembly   Minister Joubert updates members on animal feed situation |12 July 2023

The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert has explained that the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) had not yet imported animal feed into the country because it was still in negotiations with overseas suppliers for the best possible price.

The minister was answering a question by the elected member for Anse Royale, Sylvanne Lemiel, on the issue, in the National Assembly yesterday, including a query on the prices for the commodity being paid by farmers locally, which has not gone down.

Minister Joubert said the company has now reached an agreement with a supplier in South Africa and the first consignment of 342 tonnes of animal feed for chicken, egg and pig production that was confirmed in June 22, 2023 will arrive in the country by August 15, 2023.

He added that the ministry had previously negotiated with three local manufacturers for a reduction in the price of animal feed, but this did not materialise.

Minister Joubert told the National Assembly the ministry will maintain a subsidy on the commodity until the new consignment arrives in the country.

He noted that since STC is the one financing the importation of the animal feed, the company will be responsible for its sale locally.

Another question to Minister Joubert was from the elected member for Beau Vallon district, Hon. John Hoareau, who queried about plans by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) to install and connect sewage systems to several houses in the Beau Vallon district.

Minister Joubert said that PUC is still in discussion with seven residents for way leave and given their approval the project will get under way.

He noted that in the event of a stalemate, PUC will use its legal rights under its act, in the interest of the community, to enter the properties and carry out the project.

With regard to PUC’s water connection to properties at ‘Dan Merle’ region, Val d’Andorre, tabled by Hon. François Adelaide, the elected member for Baie Lazare, Minister Joubert said that water connection to 12 properties in the area will be completed by Mid-October 2024.

He noted that PUC is still negotiating with a land owner for the construction of a bigger water storage facility in the area.

For her part, Hon. Rosie Bistoquet, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) proportionate member, had queried about measures in place to combat crusher dust from the United Concrete Products Seychelles (UCPS) quarry, which was affecting Pointe Larue residents.

In his response, the minister said that officers were in direct consultation with UCPS on measures to contain crusher dust, which include installing water sprinkler onsite among other cleaning methods, to contain dust.

He noted that there are plans in the future to move the crusher to another location. Several areas away from living quarters are under study including Au Cap.

Minister Joubert stated that in the meantime there were also plans to buy equipment to test air quality at crusher sites.

Hon. Bistoquet further questioned UCPS’ use of the quarry at Il-di-Swet (South-East Island), which was affecting residents in Pointe Larue central region, ‘Matata’ and Anse Faure.

Minister Joubert informed the National Assembly that the company still has three to four years remaining on its 20-year contract agreement to remove crushers on the island.

He added that all of its activities are closely monitored to prevent impacts on residents in the region and anyone being affected should come forward to file for actions.

The elected member for Baie St Anne Praslin, Hon. Churchill Gill, queried about the operations of the Cap Samy abattoir, renovated in 2021 and whose equipment was to be funded by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the government.

Minister Joubert said given that no tender was received locally or internationally for the supply of equipment after the tender bid closed in June 2023 following a three-month period, the process is now going for procurement through funds under the capital project.

Patrick Joubert