President visits three disaster-hit districts |31 January 2013

He said that the damage caused by the flooding disaster is estimated to be R106 million (US $8 million) based on a preliminary assessment by technicians on the ground.

He called on the Seychellois people as well as international partners to donate generously to a National Disaster Relief Fund he has set up (see separate story) in order to allow for the fast recovery of the disaster-stricken areas.

“The sense of solidarity, volunteer and community support have helped relieve a lot of pressures in the three districts based on good coordination. I congratulate and thank all those involved in one way or another in coordinating the different services required,” said Mr Michel.

He said the situation on the ground has improved substantially.
“Compared to the terrible situation on Sunday when I visited the three districts, today I can see that families are slowly repairing and rehabilitating their homes. This visit has enabled me to meet the families affected, and gauge the assistance required, and to establish and assess damages in order to see how to re-establish infrastructure and put into place necessary measures,” he said.

He pointed out that climate change, which he has spoken about often, is really starting to affect Seychelles and called on the Planning Authority to be rigorous in the guidelines for building developments, in order to take possibility of flooding into account.

In the Pointe Larue district, he was briefed on the cases of houses being flooded as well as the ones which were completely damaged.

The homes at Pointe Larue had also been affected by big falling rocks, landslides and collapsing walls.

The districts’ authorities are continuing to assess and evaluate the condition of the damage, as well as the assistance being given at the district’s level.

There are also efforts being undertaken to cut down trees that are considered a danger to other houses. 

The Presidential delegation visited the Pointe Larue secondary school to view the extensive clean-up efforts as well as the areas which need renovation.

In Anse aux Pins district he met families at the Ex-Onezime estate, again badly affected by heavy flooding.

He toured the Rameau Estate and the Bodamier Estate to see the houses that were badly damaged. 
At Au Cap, the delegation visited the St Joseph Estate, which was affected by a major landslide which is also threatening five other houses.

He also saw a farm owned by Ralph Hoareau and David Marie which has been completely flooded and its crops destroyed.

The assessment of the farms are underway to offer guidance on how to help the farmers.
Mr Michel ended his visit at the Au Cap Home of the Elderly, where he was reassured by its residents that the situation was back to normal.

The president was accompanied on his visits by Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton, the Minister for Environment and Energy Professor Rolph Payet, who is also the coordinator of the National Command Centre, principal secretary (PS) for community development and sports Denis Rose and director general for Presidential Affairs Doreen Arnephy.

At Pointe Larue School the President was met by the Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon, the Minister for Land Use and Housing Christian Lionnet, the PS for education  Merida Delcy, the PS for land use and housing Yves Choppy, the PS for environment and energy Wills Agricole, and the headteacher of the Pointe Larue Secondary School Jina Labiche.

Members of the task force were also present to discuss the work needed to ensure that students can return to a safe and clean school in the near future.

In Anse aux Pins he was met by Member of the National Assembly Meggy Marie and the district administrator Sylvia Stravens.

He was met at Au Cap by the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, the district’s member of the National Assembly Murielle Marie, chief executive of the Seychelles Agricultural Agency Marc Naiken, special advisor in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Industry Antoine Marie Moustache and the district’s administrator Neville Sinon.

Our selection of photographs show the President and his delegation touring the various affected areas and also comforting some families who have been affected by the consequences of the recent bad weather.