January 12, 2011 -- President James Michel visited several areas of the Takamaka district yesterday, as part of his ongoing exercise to meet with various communities and consult people around the country.

The President visited the homes of several families, fishermen and small businesses, including a bakery and take-away shop, a grocery shop, as well as a small restaurant called the "Surfers beach" restaurant.

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The President was accompanied by the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sport, Mr. Vincent Meriton, District Administrator Mrs. Rosita Hibonne, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Finance Company, Mr. Charles Bastienne and the Chief Executive officer of the Seychelles Land Transport Agency, Mr. Gerard Hoareau.

The President said that while Takamaka is one of the districts that is furthest from the capital Victoria, it is a district that has not been forgotten in development planning.
 
"I came to Takamaka today for myself to see the developments of the district as well as the problems that exist, and to see what people are doing to work for their district. 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," said President Michel.
 
The President also visited a group of fishermen at Anse Marie-Louise, who spoke to the President about their ideas for creating safer access for their boats 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 from Anse Marie-Louise safely. At the same time it has come to my attention that it is necessary to make this area available to the community of Takamaka; to allow the creation of small workshops, kiosks, and business, as the area is often visited by tourists, as well as Seychellois," said the President.
 
The President said with such projects, it was important to continue to empower people in the districts to address the challenges in the districts directly and where needed, to ask for government intervention.
 
During his visit, the President listened to concerns from residents about need for more roads for areas of the district which are difficult to reach. The President said that these roads are a priority and would be built where funds have been made available, while others would be completed when financial resources are obtained.