New roads named |28 June 2019

The winners in a souvenir photograph with land transport PS Patrick Andre and Minister Charlette

Following a decision by the cabinet of ministers last year, the department of land transport was given the exciting project of launching a national competition in order to name a few roads recently developed in the urban and suburban areas on Mahé.

This competition was decided as best fit for the same, in view that it reflects transparency and it also gives all Seychellois residents the chance to partake in the process to name the roads with an incentive and recognition for contributing in that process.

In a short ceremony held at Ile du Port opposite the Supreme Court yesterday morning, the winners of the competition were rewarded in the presence of the Minister for Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport, Pamela Charlette and other distinguished guests.

The competition ran from September 3to October 3, 2018and received a total of 72 entries.

The winners of the competition received a commemorative shield, a certificate of recognition as well as a cheque for R5000.

“This competition falls in the first phase of a comprehensive exercise to make sure that all roads are properly named and proclaimed, thus I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the committee who have undertaken this major exercise, which will contribute to the national addressing system and will facilitate access of primary services such as fire and rescue, ambulances and police in the different communities,” said Minister Charlette in her opening address.

One of the main criteria of the competition was that the name of the streets would have to be linked to some geographical or historical elements or has to refer to the fauna and flora of Seychelles.

The final road names are as follows:

The road from Anse Etoile junction to the first proposed roundabout on Ile Aurore will be called Rue Etoile de Mer.

There were two winners, Joelle Celestine and Naddy Malabage, who both proposed the same name Etoile de Mer for this stretch which the jury panel has refined to Rue Etoile de Mer. It is important to note that Etoile and Etoile De Mer was very recurring for this stretch of road as the association that this area has with regard to Anse Etoile, starfish and the sea. This road name adheres to the terms of reference of geography and the environment.

The road from the first proposed roundabout on Ile Aurore to the second proposed roundabout on Ile Aurore will be called theFrance Albert Rene Highway

History being one of the main terms of reference of the competition naturally made it important at this point to recognise the past presidents of Seychelles for the location.

Based on this decision and in view that President Rene greatly supported and was also the forerunner behind the reclamation of Ile Aurore, Perseverance and Ile Du Port which falls in this competition boundary is one of the main reasons why this stretch has been named the France Albert Rene Highway by Marcus Bonte.

From Perseverance mini roundabout to Perseverance main roundabout passing through the road close to Ramajayan shop this stretch will be called Josephine Cafrine Road.

As highlighted by the winner, Lisa Kissubi, in her explanation, Josephine Cafrine is a very important personality in the history of Seychelles, a woman known for writing about her stay in Seychelles and her final sufferings from leprosy. Her wounds were said to have miraculously healed upon her death. She was proclaimed into the Seychelles Women Hall of Fame in 2012.

The Perseverance main roundabout to Ile du Port roundabout (Access road) will be called Sir James Mancham Avenue.

The winner, Linda Otar, said that this road will be named the Sir James ManchamAvenue in recognition of the first President of Seychelles. The location is ideally closely linked to his history in view that he represented ideals such as peace and justice. This is reflected in this area as this road leads to the National Assembly and the Judiciary.

The road from English River Roundabout to Ile du Port Roundabout will be referred to as Chemin Journalier.

As the winner, Julina Tirant, highlighted in her explanation, this road is a common access road used on a daily basis by our active working class coming from different levels and different communities. Thus the name is fitting for this road connection.

The road going in the left direction from Ile du Port Roundabout will be called Mariner's Road.

As the winner, Michelle-Anne Clothilde, highlighted in her explanation, this road will give a sense of direction and belonging to the group of people who use this road on a daily basis. The jury panel also agreed that as all the businesses in this area is marine based and related to the blue economy it thus sounds fitting to proclaim this area Mariner’s Road.

The access road opposite Ile du Port roundabout leading to Espace building will be called Chemin De La Fraternite.

As highlighted by the winner, Lindsay Marimba, the name has been chosen on the basis that this road houses the Espace Building - a business area sharing common interests, fellowship, mutual support and togetherness.

The internal road from Oceangate house passing in front of Marine Charter leading to Latanier Road at (ICCS) will be called Télémaque Road.

The winner, Jean-François Bouchereau, said that this area is fit to celebrate the boat “Telemaque” that brought the first settlers to Seychelles in 1770. This road will also give prominence to the massive celebrations that Victoria will be undertaking in 2020 to celebrate 250 years since the first settlers landed in Seychelles.