Public meeting |08 February 2024

The meeting in full swing (Photo: Sunny Esparon)

English River inhabitants voice out their concerns

Rise in crimes rate, social issues, and noise pollution were some of the concerns raised by residents of the English River district during a two-hour public meeting organised by the district’s authority yesterday afternoon.

The panel was chaired by the elected member of the National Assembly, Andy Labonté and district administrator Jancy Volcère, with the involvement of various other government stakeholders, such as the police.

The gathering served as a platform to allow residents to voice out their issues ahead of the upcoming State-of-the-Nation address.

In her introduction, DA Volcère shared some of the office’s accomplishments within the last year, most notably the implementation of a cross drainage and water barrier, and the construction of a motorable access road in Ma Joie, construction of a drainage in Union Vale near the Home of the Elderly, and the successful implementation of box gutters and dormers at the English River DA’s office.

These projects were undertaken following consultations with the inhabitants and are paid for by the district authority’s budget. They are done in partnership with other government institutions.

When addressing the concerns raised, specifically on the issue of crime rates, MNA Labonté noted that some crimes were still not being reported as people had lost confidence in the police force. However, the authorities were still in constant contact with the police.

“We continue to consult with the police force. Any concerns that they have, we consult with the police and make sure that we follow up,” said Mr Labonté.

On the matter of ongoing troubling social issues, which also involved children, Mr Labonté said the message was that it takes a whole community to educate and bring up a child.

Citing the recent symposium by the English River school titled ‘The school is our school’, MNA Labonté appealed to parents to be more involved with the schoolwork and urged teachers to remain supportive towards the students.

There was also a complaint of police brutality by a man who claimed he was allegedly beaten severely and even put in a cell. MNA Labonté confirmed that the man’s lawyer had lodged a complaint and was advised to do it through the police’s internal affairs.

The issue of noise pollution, more specifically from motorbikes, was also raised, with one resident claiming various complaints brought to the police were not attended to for weeks. The resident claimed it was a disturbing, annoying trend, which should be dealt with promptly.

The panel confirmed the perpetrator had been approached by the police and given a warning. “We will make sure that action is taken with the individual if it persists,” added Mr Labonté.

One suggestion that came from the public was the construction of a bus shelter in Union Vale as the heat and rain cause a lot of issues for the elderly.

Hon. Labonté explained there is an exercise being done in various districts and cited the upgraded bus shelter in Ma Joie. There is another project being planned in La Rosière.

“This does not mean that we are going to accomplish it instantly but it will be done according to the available budget. We can certainly take it into consideration and improve the livelihoods of the individuals,” said MNA Labonté.

Gervais Henrie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who was also present, commented on the fact that in the pursuit of empowering and supporting women, somewhere along the way the male counterpart has lost its way. “I think it is time we start encouraging the men of Seychelles to rise up. Otherwise we will be left with a country where the male population is in dire straits,” said Mr Henrie.

Some of the more miscellaneous concerns that were brought up included the inability to see the light because of the tall trees and bushes that block out most of the luminous spots. In addition, one resident complained about the location for the methadone clinic, which is unsafe for the recipients who are often seen jaywalking. 

Another contribution was the upgrading of the sporting facilities, which MNA Labonté confirmed was ongoing.

The MNA said his office remains open on Thursdays and alternatively people can contact him during the week on telephone number 2514821.

Sunny Esparon