West Coast road project |25 October 2023

Temporary road resurfacing work from Montagne Posée junction to Anse à la Mouche

The Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, has announced that the road from the Montagne Posée junction in Anse Boileau up to Anse à la Mouche will be getting resurfaced within the next two weeks, to address the present concerns, while awaiting the start of the main project in nine months.

This forms part of the road improvement projects on the west and south coasts, with a specific focus on the Anse Boileau area. The project was initially scheduled to begin in April, but had to be delayed since the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) had to carry out necessary utility work in the area, which included pipe-laying.

Yesterday the minister led a delegation from the land transport department for a site visit at the Montagne Posée junction, ahead of the temporary work.

Minister Derjacques explained that the decision to initiate this comprehensive project stemmed from the realisation that the contractors were set to commence work in Anse Boileau in approximately nine months. To address immediate concerns, a temporary solution has been devised.

A thin coat of asphalt will be applied to the road surface, starting from the Montagne Posée junction and extending 1.5 kilometres up to the site of the new hotel in Anse à la Mouche.

Minister Derjacques emphasised the urgency of the situation, noting that the Anse Boileau road is among the worst in the country. The duration of the resurfacing will take approximately two weeks, according to the minister.

It should be noted that the entire project is divided into four distinct phases, with the ongoing phase one, which extends from the Anse à la Mouche junction to Baie Lazare school. Phase two will stretch from Baie Lazare school to Quatre Bornes, Takamaka, and down to Intendance beach. Phase three encompasses the route from Quatre Bornes Takamaka to the Les Canelles junction, while phase four covers the Montagne Posée junction to the Anse à la Mouche road diversion.

There is a budget allocation of R45 million to facilitate these road improvement projects for the year 2024.

The funds will be used at the discretion of the land transport department and the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA), for both emergency work and resurfacing efforts.

Meanwhile, Minister Derjacques has urged for cooperation and understanding from the public while the construction works are under way.

In reference to recent complaints with regard to road closure in Mont Fleuri this week for road work, he said he understands how this may be inconvenient to motorists and pedestrians, however the government remains committed to delivering the best results possible and urged patience.

With the upcoming rainy season, Minister Derjacques has advised the public to refer to SLTA's interactive website for information about ongoing projects and share pictures or offer suggestions related to roads or work that may be impacted by inclement weather.

He has reassured the public that wherever possible, swift work completion, such as the entire road from Beau Vallon to Beau Bel, would be a priority.

He also noted that PUC will be responsible for restoration of any damage incurred during its work, and this will be under the supervision of the land transport department.

The accompanying photos show the minister and his delegation during the site visit yesterday ahead of the temporary road resurfacing work.

Sunny Esparon