The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by Vice-President, Mr. Ahmed Afif and by a high-level delegation of Government Officials undertook a full day working visit on Praslin yesterday. 

President Ramkalawan was welcomed by the elected Members of the National Assembly for the two districts on Praslin, Hon. Churchill Gill for Baie Ste Anne Praslin, and Hon. Wavel Woodcock for Grand Anse Praslin, also present was the proportionally elected Member in the National Assembly Hon. Doyace Porice. 

The visit kicked-off upon arrival at the Baie Ste Anne Jetty itself, where the delegation viewed plans for the proposed project for a Marina. The delegation also viewed the proposed re-development plan for the new jetty for both the passenger terminal and cargo terminal located at Eve Island. The site visit presented an opportunity for members of the delegation to exchanged views on the various port projects, raise pertinent issues, and discuss possible corrective measures required whilst on site. 

Whilst on Eve Island the Presidential Delegation visited the Fire and Rescue Services Station. The President took some time to interact with the staff and hear their views. He also made a stop the Industrial Development Zone to review plans and discuss new course of action. 

President Ramkalawan also paid a visit to the Baie St Anne Abattoir site, which is in a dilapidated state and is currently undergoing minor roofing renovations. The President has given instructions to the respective Ministries to complete the refurbishment of this Red Meat Abattoir and to ensure it becomes operational as soon as possible. Funds exist already for the works through an existing European Union facility.

Other key locations visited during the morning session at Baie St Anne, included the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) facility, the Baie Ste Anne Police Station, the relocation site for the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) facilities, the Baie Ste Anne Hospital followed by a brief stop at the Valleé de Mai Office to meet and greet the staff. At each of the locations, the officials on site shared and discussed with the Head of State pertinent matters and challenges affecting their day-to-day operation.  

During the afternoon session of the visit, the delegation continued their tour, this time in the Grand Anse Praslin district which began at the Grand Anse Praslin Health Centre followed by the Grand Anse Praslin Police Station. 

Other sites viewed included the site for the newly proposed jetty behind Police Station, facilities required for water sports activities and the Land Waste Management Agency Landfill facility. The President also had the opportunity to view the Emergency rehabilitation project at Amitié where Phase 1 of the Rock Armouring has been completed. The project along the road stretch at Amitié is ongoing and decision was taken to fast track environmental protection interventions in to minimize the effects of coastal erosion and optimize the use of the land available in that zone for cultural tourism and entrepreneurial projects for the benefit of Praslinois. 

The delegation then visited the SPTC Depot where the Praslin operations team discussed with the President key issues being faced and possible solutions that will in return enhance their mode of operation and improve the public transportation service they provide to the Praslin community.  

The tour at key locations on the island ended with a meeting chaired by President Ramkalawan the with the Executive Committee Praslin Business Association at the Castello Beach, Grand Anse Praslin. 

Speaking to the press after the visit, the President said he is extremely satisfied with how the full-day working visit went, and that he is encouraged by the great sense of engagement displayed by both Government Ministries and members of the Praslin Community. President Ramkalawan further stressed that after spending the whole day viewing and taking key decisions on critical projects for the island, the most important element is to now ensure all the plans are effectively translated into action.