President Wavel Ramkalawan on Saturday visited Praslin, where he held the second public meeting related to the Kato Nwanr project development at Baie St Anne, and reviewed progress made thus far.
The Kato Nwanr project includes a marina which will have more berthing space for some 50 hire crafts and other leisure crafts, to be funded through public-private partnership. The project is expected to boost business on the island, and was conceptualised in response to increasing demand for such a facility.
President Ramkalawan was accompanied on the visit by Minister for Lands and Housing Billy Rangasamy; Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Flavien Joubert and Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry Devika Vidot, Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), community leaders as well as technicians from various departments and agencies.
The marina, which will cover approximately 5,000 square metres of land, will include related facilities like shops, restaurants, water and refueling facilities for the vessels as well as waste and sewerage management facilities.
During the visit, the President and delegation also viewed the road works and site preparations which are currently underway, with the aim of improving the flow of traffic in the Baie St Anne centre area.
Following discussions President Ramkalawan thanked members of the project committee as well as the Praslin community for their presence and contributions to the project, and the continued dialogue towards the project that is to benefit Praslin.
During the meeting, the Praslin community and entrepreneurs shared their views on the project in general, and their perspective on how the project design may be improved. Others pointed out potential issues and challenges, proposing remedial actions which they feel would be appropriate and best-suited to address the issues raised.
As the Chair of the meeting, President Ramkalawan reassured all present that their inputs are to be taken into consideration, and vowed to maintain the consultation throughout the implementation in a bid to ensure that the stakeholders’ concerns are addressed.
The meeting was held at the Baie St Anne Praslin district administration.
MNAs present included Wavel Woodcock who represents Grande Anse, MNA Churchill Gill of Baie St Anne, and Doyace Porice.
President Ramkalawan chaired the first public consultation on Saturday July 16.
Source: Seychelles Nation
