It is vital that people living in the various districts continue to be empowered so they can address the challenges they face directly, with government help where needed, President James Michel said yesterday.
He was speaking after visiting several areas of the Takamaka district as part of his ongoing exercise to meet communities and consult people around the country.
The President visited the homes of several families, fishermen and small businesses – including a bakery, take-away shop and grocery shop – as well as the small Surfers Beach restaurant at Anse Parnel.
He was accompanied by Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vincent Meriton, district administrator Rosita Hibonne, Housing Finance Company chief executive Charles Bastienne and Seychelles Land Transport Agency chief executive Gerard Hoareau.
Mr Michel said while Takamaka, in the south of Mahe, is one of the districts that is furthest from the capital Victoria, it has not been forgotten in development planning.
While there has been criticism about investment, both local and foreign, there are examples at Takamaka of how investment has allowed ordinary Seychellois to develop their potential through their own small businesses, he added.
“I came to Takamaka today to see for myself the developments of the district, as well as the problems that exist, and to see what people are doing to work for their district,” he said.
“I saw some small businesses, a bakery and a restaurant, and I saw the way that investment is creating possibilities in the district for people who have their own businesses. There are many opportunities for development.”
Lena Rose’s 3 Roses take-away and snacks shop at Quatre Bornes is a good example of such developments, Mr Michel said.
“The lady has lots of hope and many dreams for the future development and expansion of her business”, he said, and this should be encouraged.
The President said tourism investment at Takamaka is contributing to the development of these economic activities, and he used as an example the Surfers Beach restaurant belonging to Mr and Mrs Young.
He said Takamaka is full of potential and he believes more development will take place in the future.
Mr Michel also visited a group of fishermen at Anse Marie-Louise, who spoke to him about their ideas for creating safer access to the sea.
“We will consider the options available for the Seychelles Fishing Authority to create a pass for the fishermen to be able to go to sea safely from Anse Marie-Louise,” he said.
“At the same time, it has come to my attention that it is necessary to make this area available to the community of Takamaka, and to allow the creation of small workshops, kiosks and businesses as the area is often visited by tourists, as well as Seychellois.”
Mr Michel welcomed the enthusiasm being shown by people in the community to come up with ideas for their own development.
“It is important that we continue to empower people in the communities,” he added.
The President also listened as residents told him more roads are needed in areas of the district that are difficult to reach. He said these roads are a priority and will be built when funds have been made available, while others will be completed when financial resources allow.
Mr Michel was welcomed at the start of his visit to the district by Ms Hibonne, Minister Meriton, other officials from his ministry and heads of key agencies.
A welcome from a group of Red Cross youths camping in the district’s community centre followed, and young volunteer Annia Marengo briefed him on their activities and programmes.
Various matters relating to the district were brought to his attention during a short briefing by Ms Hibonne.
Source: Seychelles Nation
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