SLTA explains delays and halts in road projects |23 September 2020
La Batie
Amid the unprecedented global crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent semi-lockdown imposed by the Public Health Commissioner, members of the public had the perception that the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA) would have taken this opportunity to carry out extensive potholing, resurfacing work during the lockdown. However, this was not the case, as the organisation was not listed as an essential service provider and had to abide by the partial lockdown and other measures imposed by the department of health for the safety of its employees and partners.
Following the resumption of work during the first week of May 2020, the agency contacted all of its contractors especially those on large projects. They were informed of the new guidelines in resuming work on-site as recommended by Public Health.
As a matter of priority, emphasis was placed on potholing works and patching of emergency excavations that were carried out by the utility companies during the lockdown.
In the second week after restarting work, SLTA managed to resume its resurfacing work in the south of Mahé where they left off at Au Cap.
Resurfacing work is also on-going presently from Anse Boileau to Barbarons and along many secondary roads in several districts.
SLTA will start with the resurfacing of the road from Takamaka to Anse Royale in the coming few weeks.
The situation of Covid-19 has also affected the original CAPEX (capital expenditure) budget of SLTA. Approximately R24 million has been deducted from the original 2020 budget therefore some of the planned projects for 2020 have been postponed to 2021 or beyond to be implemented when funds are made available.
As the agency continues to implement ongoing projects with its revised budget, the Minister for Habitat, Infrastructure, and Land Transport Pamela Charlette recently visited several completed and on-going projects undertaken by the agency.
The aim was for the minister to view the quality of work conducted and any remaining works to be completed.
Minister Charlette was accompanied on the visit by the chief executive (CEO) of SLTA Parinda Herath, the deputy CEO Nicholas Hoareau and the senior project officer Naddy Samson.
The accompanying photos show the minister and SLTA team visiting some of the projects.
Contributed by SLTA
Photo sources: SLTA
