“Our government’s vision for the development of Seychelles is one that aims at sustainable development that takes into account our future generations. We all have a duty to our generation tomorrow, and we are not to be judged negatively tomorrow for the developments we have made today.”
This is part of the message of the Minister of Land and Housing, Billy Rangasamy, during the Urban Planning Day today, November 8.
The integral message of the minister reads as follows:
“Urban Planning Day or ‘ Town Planning Day’ as we say in English, is celebrated globally every year on November 8. This is a day where we are called to do a lot of reflection on this matter. The theme that has been chosen for this year is ‘Think globally but locally’.
“This term has a lot of value, because it first underlines the importance of our belonging to the global community, more specifically about the way we do and plan our land use and the impact that our development can have on the global environment. At the same time, it makes us aware of what needs to be done to improve our current situation.
“Secondly, as a small country, I note that this year also emphasizes the need to have physical development planning and land utilization plans that are not only adapted to our specificity, but also sustainable.
“Again in the context of Seychelles, a small country like us with many land resource constraints, today more than ever we see it as a fundamental necessity for us to have good planning in the way that this limited resource is used and shared, because good planning in our utilization land resources to help improve the lives of our people, ensure the protection of our land, create more economic wealth and develop strong communities that benefit our country.
“In a year where the Plan Authority is celebrating 50 years of its existence, it is important to reflect on the amount of work that has been done throughout this year, certainly on the preparation of land utilization plans and development plans for the country that have already been do
“However, today, this work continues with a renewed intensity and determination, in relation to the mandate of the Authority created under the Physical Planning Act 2021, to prepare and produce the appropriate plans. Finally, I need to emphasize that it is important that all races of our population bring their participation in this planning process, to help make this work a profitable one. I want to take advantage of this, to make a national call so that we all participate in the exercises that the Planning Authority can do. I can’t miss the meaning of honoring our ‘ planners ‘ locally, for the important work they are doing every day.
“At this point, it is necessary to emphasize that our government’s vision for the development of Seychelles is one that is aimed at sustainable development that takes into account our future generations. We all have a duty to our generation tomorrow, and we are not to be judged negatively tomorrow for the developments we have made today.
“Finally, I give my commitment that the Planning Authority and the Ministry of Land and Housing will continue to emphasize the need to bring our young people into the profession of urban planning. Tomorrow is yours and the future is yours. To continue to have people to lead the struggle that those who are doing and those who have left this work with us, we need to make every effort to attract young people to join us, to ensure that we always have enough manpower to deliver in This is a fundamental task, land use planning for our country, which is sustainable.
“Finally, I take this opportunity to thank and greet all the actors in this field and I ask them to continue the good work they are doing and to continue doing it in the future.”
Source: Seychelles Nation
