President Faure witnessed the historical launching of the first locally owned dredger this morning, owned by local contractor VIJAY Construction, at Providence Industrial Estate, Zone 20. 

The new custom built dredger, a first for Seychelles, was built in China and measures 40 metres long and 15 metres wide with a pumping capacity of 5000 cubic metres per hour. At the ceremony, President Faure officially switched on the dredger for a demonstration followed by a guided tour of the vessel by the Operator of the Dredger, Mr Franky Valentin, and VIJAY Construction Management.

Addressing guests during the ceremony on behalf of Government, the Principal Secretary for Investment, Mr Michael Nalletamby, highlighted the country’s limitations pertaining to space and the benefits dredging and land reclamation has brought over the years. “Through reclamation, we have seen the rise of the Roche Caiman Housing Estate, Providence Industrial Estate, the Providence Highway, the fishing ports and the satellite islands Aurore, Perseverance, Ile du Port, Romainville, Eden Island and Eve Island. Today, most of the economic and administrative activities, our utilities and even food security facilities are located on reclaimed land. What’s more, in view of our topography, the increased demand for land and the continuous socio-economic growth, much more development is bound to happen on reclaimed land.

Today, on behalf of Government, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr Vijay Patel and VIJAY Construction on taking the initiative to add to local assets, improving mobilisation time and reclamation costs,” said Mr Nalletamby.

On his part, Mr Vijay Patel thanked the Government and everyone involved with the project for their continuous support and in making the launching of the dredger today a reality, which he said will not only be for the benefit of the company but for the country in general. 

After the launch guests present were invited to view a demonstration of the dredger in action.

Also present for the ceremony at Providence, was the Vice-President, Mr Vincent Meriton, the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Honourable Charles Decomarmond, Ministers and other distinguished guests.