Expressions of interest open for multi-storey parking near Seychelles Hospital   By Sunny Esparon |23 August 2023

The site (in red) where the multi-storey parking will be built

The Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, in partnership with the Seychelles Investment Board and the Ministry of Health, has initiated a call for sealed expressions of interest from both Seychellois and non-Seychellois individuals, businesses and entities interested in the lease and development of a multi-storey parking with commercial space at the Victoria Hospital, Mont Fleuri.

The expressions of interest (EOI) documents are available for collection from the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) reception since August 8 from 8.30am to 4pm, or via email at tender@sib.gov.sc

Deadline for collection is Monday August 28, 2023 at 3pm. A pre-submission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 30, 2023 at 10.30am at the Docklands auditorium.

Interested applicants can submit their responses in sealed envelopes, by courier, or by email no later than Friday September 29, 2023 by 3pm.

During a press conference held yesterday at the SIB headquarters, Anne Rosette, SIB’s chief executive, emphasised the concurrent launch of this initiative due to its significant importance. "This is to alleviate traffic congestion and parking issues at the hospital, addressing the paramount issue of finding decent parking space for patients and visitors," she stated.

The budget allocation depends on the investor's proposal. CEO Rosette clarified that the specifics of the parking facility's design and operation will be determined by the investor. Similarly to the paid multi-storey parking at the Maison Collet, these aspects will be driven by the investor's decisions to ensure the project's viability.

Lenny Gabriel, deputy chief executive, underlined the necessity for a minimum of 150 allocated parking spaces. The development has the flexibility to include multiple levels, encompassing a ground floor, basement, and potentially the roof for additional parking, based on the investor's preferences. The lease duration is set for 60 years, and the development covenant spans 24 months.

Mr Gabriel explained the inclusion of international participants to avoid limitations, allowing Seychellois individuals to potentially form partnerships with non-Seychellois participants. However, this is not obligatory.

The evaluation committee consists of representatives from the Ministry of Finance, National Development and Trade; department of environment, SIB, Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), and, in certain cases, the Ministry of Health and the private sector for decision-making.

Dr Danny Louange, chief executive of the Health Care Agency which oversees the Seychelles Hospital, elaborated on the project's benefits for the hospital. The initiative aligns with the significant development occurring at the hospital.

Dr Louange highlighted that parking concerns affect not only staff but also patients and visitors. "We are pleased that the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) and SIB have collaborated to launch this project, aiming to improve traffic and parking conditions," he affirmed.

Furthermore, the commercial space attached to the project holds potential benefits for the hospital, offering essential services on-site. The types of services within the commercial space will be approved by the Ministry of Health, SIB, and the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry.

Discussions have also taken place regarding potential privileges for medical staff, such as accommodation on site. Additionally, considerations are being made for commercial spaces to be open beyond regular working hours, catering to staff and patients' needs.

"Ultimately, the investor's decisions will prevail. This is an EOI process, and the chosen proposal will be most suitable for us. We need to strike a balance and ensure profitability," stated Dr Louange.

The winning bidder will enter a concessionary agreement with the government and public health, outlining aspects like maintenance obligations. "They will need to adhere to specific criteria," explained Dr Louange.

Due to the proximity of the construction site to the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) facility, meticulous measures will be implemented to ensure minimal disruption to the students' learning environment.