Government committed to modernising Port Victoria |27 September 2013

Government is re-affirming its commitment to making Port Victoria more modern and ensure that it remains competitive.

This was the main message following the joint ministerial visit yesterday by ministers for Natural Resources Peter Sinon, Labour and Human Resources Development Idith Alexander and Home Affairs and Transport Joël Morgan.
The aim of this working visit at the commercial and fishing ports were to assess developmental activities on the ports and to identify pertinent issues which need to be addressed.

A short presentation on the Seychelles Port Authority (SPA) was given by chief executive Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseau in the SPA’s conference room.

The delegation was briefed on the SPA’s mission, vision, objectives, responsibilities and the projects being undertaken.

The ministers and the rest of the delegation which included representatives of private companies like Land Marine, Aquarius Shipping, Mahé Shipping, Hunt Deltel and the Indian Ocean Tuna Limited which operate within the ports as well as officials from the three ministries started their visit at the commercial port.
There they had the chance to see the work being done before proceeding in the cargo warehouse.

Leaving the commercial port, the team boarded a boat for the next part of their visit. They were briefed on work being carried out on the new fishing port on zone 14 at Ile du Port.

The next stop was at the fishing port where they went on board a tuna vessel to see the men at work and to have a briefing on their duties.

The team then walked to the IOT factory where they met operations manager François Rossi and his team.

Mr Morgan said the aim of the meeting with officials from the IOT was to identify issues the company faces in terms of improvements and to ease business there.

On her part, Ms Alexander said her ministry is working closely with the IOT to address several issues which include increasing the number of Seychellois working at the factory.

She also commended the IOT for putting great emphasis on training and equipping staff with the needed skills and knowledge where and when necessary.

Mr Sinon added that what has been seen during the visit is testimony that fisheries have gone commercial on a good level.

He said there is a need for the ministries to work together as a team to solve the issues relating to the fishing industry so that it can move to a greater level.

Mr Sinon added that the tuna industry has the potential to become the first pillar for Seychelles but must have the required infrastructure to make it happen.

On behalf of the company, Mr Rossi said the IOT wishes to have a good collaboration with the various ministries to help remain on a good competitive level.

The visit ended at the Seychelles Fishing Authority where a debriefing session on the visit was held. It was also the chance for the three ministers to answer questions and hear suggestions from representatives of the private companies.

Ms Alexander said the human resources aspect is vital in the process of expanding and modernising Port Victoria.

She added that there is a need to have a good human resources plan.

The National Human Resource Development Council (NHRDC) is requesting that organisations submit their training plans.

Speaking to the media after the visit, Mr Morgan said the visit gave them the opportunity to learn more about the activities being done at the two ports in relation to the three ministries.

“The visit has also helped us to see how best our ministries can work together to have a clear vision on the ports’ developments,” he said.


“Port Victoria is congested and there is a need to modernise it and create more space to accommodate traffic on the port.”

Mr Morgan added that the fisheries and port development committee, which he chairs, plans the ports’ development and helps them work on following the vision.

Among the new developments are the need to create more space, relocate several offices and extend the Mahé quay 300m south and in the future 200m towards the ex-coast guard base opposite the Public Utilities Corporation power station.

“Port Victoria needs to keep developing and to remain the vital centre for commerce and fisheries. We have much competition in the region and eastern Africa and it is not easy to remain competitive,” said Mr Morgan.

“The SPA needs to generate revenues in addition to the support given by the government for investment, and the rise in fees will help the port to reinforce its capacity and income.”

Talking to journalists, Ms Alexander said her ministry will have a key role to play in the modernisation of Port Victoria.

“We need to work together in this process. A new port will mean new employment opportunities and we need to know what we can do to meet these demands,” she added.

During discussions held with the heads of the SPA and private companies, Ms Alexander said the main issue raised was substance abuse among our workforce.

“I have been able to talk to some workers especially the stevedores. The main concern raised relates to the price per ton, which my ministry will work closely with other key partners to address.”
Mr Sinon said there are only a few young Seychellois who have taken seafaring as a career.

There is a need to improve this situation locally and with key partners such as the NHRDC and other agencies involved we will discuss this issue and see how we can make it become a professional career, he added.

The accompanying photos show the ministerial delegation during their tour of the various facilities at the port.