SPA finalises master plan for new La Digue terminal |20 July 2023
The dredging work was to remove accumulated sand, and enlarge the port to provide more facilities to businesses
By Sunny Esparon
The Seychelles Ports Authority is currently working on a masterplan for a new and modern terminal for La Digue and the document is expected to be presented to SPA’s board later this month.
SPA’s chief executive, Sony Payet, said the construction of the new terminal, which will replace the existing one, is estimated to cost around R27 million.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION in an exclusive interview at the SPA headquarters this week, Mr Payer said the old port will be demolished entirely to make way for the new terminal.
He said once the master plan is approved by the board, it will be presented to government for approval.
“Once it is approved, we have to work on how to secure funding for its construction,” said Mr Payet.
Meanwhile, SPA has said that the second phase of the La Digue port extension, which involves the dredging of the right-hand side of the quay, in front of Tarosa, is nearly completed. The main work was to remove accumulated sand, and enlarge the port to provide more facilities to businesses.
“It will enhance the value of the place and provide an ideal place for the businesses. Work is progressing well and I am confident it will be ready in time for its official opening on August 15,” said Mr Payet.
The new area will provide space for yachts, leisure boats, passenger boats such as Cat Rose and Cat Cocos, cruise ships as well as other tourism activities that will take place on La Digue.
Mr Payet said vessels accessing the new facility will be charged a fee and SPA will be ensuring proper services such as the presence of pier master and their assistants as well as security.
With regard to the expansion of the Mahé quay, Mr Payet said SPA wants to finalise the plan by the end of this year, “and if everything is in order we can hopefully start construction by the middle of next year”.
The Port Victoria Rehabilitation and Extension project includes a 10-metre seaward extension instead of the 40 metres that was in the original plan.
Mr Payet also spoke briefly about the new ERO passenger terminal on Praslin, stating there are plans to install a kiosk for taxi drivers and pontoons for day trippers and boats on excursions or transporting passengers.
