Environment and water issues at Grand Anse Mahé |13 February 2017

 Ministerial team conduct site visit

Environmental issues and water supply concerns at Grand Anse Mahé were the focus of discussions during a site visit in the district on Friday by a high-level delegation.

The delegation, headed by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Didier Dogley, comprised Waven William, elected member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Mahé; Philip Morin, chief executive of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC); and other high officials of the corporation together with district administrator Linette Dodin.

The visit was initiated by MNA William so the minister could have an on-site view on the various developments going on in the district as well as issues it is facing so that the ministry can bring solutions.

Savy Estate (better known as Letyopi), Grand Anse plateau, Petit Barbarons and the Barbarons plateau were the main areas visited. Various issues related to the environment and drainage were put to the attention of the minister – floodings when it rains due to blocked marshes or rivers; rock armouring projects going on in the Grand Anse plateau and construction of bridges and drainage at Pti Barbarons at what is known as ‘Army housing estate’.

“There are two main issues raised in the district. One is availability of water for agricultural purposes. In the Grand Anse district there are both farmers and PUC who retrieve water from the main Grand Anse river. And during the drought season there are some conflicts regarding water between the two. So we had to find ways on how we can work together where both sides collaborate. And this was discussed with Mr Morin and his officials,” said Minister Dogley.

He added the discussions resulted in the formation of a committee consisting of members from PUC, agriculture, and the person in charge of water management in Mr Dogley’s ministry.

“This we hope will give more support and emphasis on water usage especially during the dry season so that we have a better working relationship,” said Minister Dogley.

The other issue raised by Mr William was the various drainage problems in the district.

“We have a programme where we clean certain rivers and marshes regularly but the MNA showed there are other works necessary for us to do so the people are not affected,” said the minister.

He said it is clear there are many marshes and rivers in Grand Anse Mahé but sometimes lack of resources does not allow the ministry to perform as it would have wanted to.

“But we always have to ask ourselves how we can do better and what other resources we can get to make sure these issues are addressed,” said Minister Dogley.

Minister Dogley also explained the major project undertaken at Petit Barbarons where his ministry was assisted by outside donors.

“This place was experiencing a big flooding problem whenever it rains. As you can see a lot of work has been done like bridges, drainage works, and work is still ongoing especially inside the estate itself where more gutters are being constructed,” said Mr Dogley.

Mr William said the visit has been organised based on the pace of development happening in the district. And due to these developments some problems also occur.

“We are therefore happy that the minister and his delegation have come to see the problems and bring solutions. We can see that the government is bringing solutions to those problems like unblocking marshes so water during heavy rain or high tides do not inundate villages where people live. I am happy because the government is not just saying it will do things but action is happening on sites,” said Mr William.

But in a small country like Seychelles, Mr William said resources are limited therefore things should be done phase by phase.

“I am happy to see even if we do not have a lot of resources, things are being done phase by phase. When people see actions taken and solutions being given, they have hope and are satisfied,” said Mr Wiliiam.

As the government cannot do all on its own even if the will is there, Mr William said possible assistance from other sources are being sought to assist the district in addressing its environment and water issues.

“This is an option the district is working on. But as we all know with the cost of living there are pressures at all levels but there are people interested and the district is approaching some of them where there will be certain groups of people who will assist in future either financially, technically or with manpower,” he said. He mentioned an option where wildlife clubs from school could plant grass or other appropriate plants along the borderlines where drainage works have been undertaken.