Explosives transferred to Barbarons military base as a safety measure |28 December 2023

Vice-President Afif and Brigadier Rosette during the press conference

Effective today, all explosives and fireworks in the country are to be transferred to the Seychelles Defence Forces’ military base in Barbarons.

This was announced by Vice-President Ahmed Afif in a live press conference held yesterday morning at State House where he was joined by the Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette.

VP said these apply to all the explosives used for quarry work by United Concrete Products Seychelles (UCPS), and fireworks of one local company.

There are presently three 20-feet containers storing UCPS explosives, and three 40-feet containers, filled with fireworks.

He explained they will be better secured as the location has a mountain as a natural barrier, separating it from the closest house in Barbarons, as well as the Grande Anse Villas, which is four kilometres away. In addition, the explosives are stocked in line with international standards, ensuring they are not close to other elements that would act as a detonator, said Vice-President Afif.

“They will be set up in a way to minimise or limit any possibility of explosions. In addition to the new location, it will really help increase the security,” said VP Afif, who assured the public that under the new way arrangements, there is “complete security”. The containers have been stored away from water, and are covered to prevent contact with rainwater.

As part of extra security measures in the future, and in line with international standards, the country would also consider storing the explosives in a bunker. “This would really push our levels of security to a higher level,” added Mr Afif.

For his part, Brigadier Rosette outlined the administrative work between the military and the operators, to remove explosives from inappropriate areas.

He also noted that since the explosives were being stored on government land, there was an ongoing discussion with the ministry responsible for land and the companies to reach an agreement on the storage plan, which would include rental fees for the designated area for storage.

As to alternatives to explosives, Brigadier Rosette said the companies should be updated on the latest technology and see whether or not it was viable to introduce it to Seychelles.

“We would like for them to go in that direction,” he stated.

Sunny Esparon

Photo by Kurtrine Albert