Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market to get a facelift |11 October 2023

The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment has announced the upcoming renovation work on the renowned Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, designed to rejuvenate the cherished market, address structural concerns, and enhance its overall functionality.

Market manager, Vincent Germain, made the announcement during a press briefing at the market yesterday morning, outlining a two-phase approach that will ensure minimal disruption during renovation work.

Phase one, set to commence next week, will initiate the tender process, focusing on essential improvements. Actual renovation work is scheduled to begin in November this year. This phase will involve critical enhancements, including drainage improvements and the refurbishment of stalls with stainless steel finishes to meet stringent hygiene standards. Advanced coordination with occupants will facilitate smooth transitions.

“Dilapidated stalls will be demolished and reconstructed with stainless steel components, while those in better conditions will receive stainless steel coverings,” explained Mr Germain.

Mr Germain also stressed the importance of the market and the department keeping pace with modernisation.

“Structural improvements, particularly addressing safety concerns with metal support pillars, are also a priority,” he added.

The renovation project will encompass comprehensive surface cleaning throughout the market to refresh its appearance.

Phase two, scheduled for the following year, will concentrate on further enhancing of the existing roof. Issues like leaks in souvenir shops and restaurants, as well as deteriorating wooden supports, will be addressed.

Mr Germain underscored the significance of preserving the market's architectural heritage as a national monument and cultural symbol.

It is expected to go into tender in March next year, with work scheduled for April.

Budget provisions were made last year and subsequently approved this year to initiate the project.

Earlier delays resulting from the absence of clear design procedures have been resolved with the assistance of the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.

Another section being looked at is the butchery with plans under review to address occupants’ concerns, such as door size.

“The original plan to relocate them to new shops and repurpose the original space for public toilets, along with additional butcheries, has been adjusted due to space constraints.”

He clarified that the modified plan retains some butcheries in their current location. This part of the project is pending and is still in the planning phase.

To address persistent issues such as illicit activities and vandalism, the decision has been taken to discontinue the public toilet service within the market.

According to Mr Germain they are considering the possibility of establishing separate public and vendor-only toilet facilities.

The market's interior and exterior will receive a fresh coat of paint.

During the initial phase, the market will remain open, but specific vendors could be temporarily relocated to facilitate ongoing work, according to the market manager.

“The second phase, focusing on roofing improvements, presents a more delicate situation due to work taking place overhead. Potential relocations are being considered but remain unconfirmed,” stated Mr Germain.

Fishermen who sell their catch at the market may also face temporary relocations during drainage improvements. However the agriculture department said that their positions will remain unchanged until further discussions with the Ministry of Fisheries.

For his part, the director general for infrastructure, Keith Arnephy, acknowledged past inconsistencies in market extensions and drainage integration. “The drainage work associated with this renovation aims to rectify these issues,” he explained.

While acknowledging potential disruptions during the renovation, he appealed for cooperation from market users and the public, emphasising the project’s goal of creating a better environment for all stakeholders.

It was also announced during the briefing that all vendors will now be made to sign a lease agreement and the new opening hours have been reviewed with closing time from 5.30pm to 5pm.

Sunny Esparon

Photos of market vendors by Louis Toussaint