Work under way to improve south and west coast road |17 July 2023

The current Takamaka road

• ‘We count on the collaboration of all to have a successful project’ – Minister Derjacques

A project to widen and improve the south and west coast road was discussed with the inhabitants of Takamaka district during a public meeting on Saturday.

The meeting was hosted by the Ministry for Transport and Minister Antony Derjacques, principal secretary Patrick Andre and principal engineer Carl Rose were the main speakers. Member of the National Assembly for Takamaka, Terrence Mondon, was also in attendance.

Though not many people turned up for the meeting, it was quite an animated one with many questions from the public.

All those taking the south route – Anse Royale towards Baie Lazare via Takamaka, know quite well how stressful the roads are. In certain areas if a SPTC bus comes, the other transport has to stop to let it pass. There are also no kerbs and walkways in certain areas thus making the road unsafe.

To alleviate the stress of the inhabitants and users of the roads, Mr Rose made a comprehensive presentation of the upcoming South and West Coast Road Widening and Improvement project.

Funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the project stretches over a distance of 17.2km from the Montagne Posée junction at Anse Boileau, all the way down the west coast and south coast of Mahé until the Les Canelles junction at Anse Royale.

The project, which has already started, is being conducted in phases.

The ongoing Phase 1 is from Anse à la Mouche Junction to Baie Lazare school.

Phase 2 is from Baie Lazare school up to Quatre Borne, Takamaka and down to Intendance Beach.

Phase 3 is from Quatre Borne Takamaka to Les Canelles junction.

Phase 4 is from the Montagne Posée junction to the Anse à la Mouche road diversion.

Mr Rose shared that the project entails “road widening up to 7m wide wherever possible, new road surfacing and footpath on both sides. There will be improvement on existing culverts, bridges, road side drains and also construction of new road side drains; renovation and new bus layby and bus shelter and also renovation and new bin site.

PS Andre explained that being a promoter of road safety, this project will bring a more comfortable road for the motorist as well as the pedestrians and reduce traffic congestion.

“It will definitely improve road safety for both motorists and pedestrians, reduce flooding in low lying areas and improve visibility especially at night. It is of paramount importance that safety measures are taken for motorists, pedestrians and workers at all times especially during rush hours - 7 to 8am and 2.30pm after school.”

Minister Derjacques repeatedly mentioned that “we are conscious of the sacrifice the land owners are doing and we keep that in mind. Currently the government is not in a position to compensate people for their land but on the other side we do make proper barriers or water channels for the land owners where necessary. We will make sure to have regular public meetings with the public and once the project is finalised, the land owners will have to sign a wayleave agreement. In order to make this project successful the Ministry of Transport is counting on the support of the land owners to allow wayleave on areas that we need to construct to improve the following structures: road widening, road side drain, culverts/bridges, bus shelter and bus layby, bin site, crash barrier/guard rail, streets lights, retaining wall and other concrete structures. We rely a lot on the understanding of the inhabitants of Takamaka as only 30% of the land is owned by the government and the rest by private owners”.

MNA Mondon stated that “it is high time for an upgrade in Takamaka and we need to create a more convenient environment for the community and also expect them to adapt to the new realities. Everything will depend on the land owners and cooperation of the public”.

Radio announcements and TV adverts will be aired often to raise public awareness on the project followed by publication of information at the district administration’s office.

Focal persons and key contact numbers will be made available once the project starts.

Text & photos by Vidya Gappy