Port Launay bus terminal reopens |14 July 2015

After taking about seven months to complete and costing over R2.5 million, Port Launay bus terminal was officially reopened yesterday by the chief executive of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), Geffy Zialor.

The terminal, which is a partnership between the local bus company and Constance Ephelia Seychelles as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, features new facilities which include a taxi bay, large parking area for cars, administrative blocks, shower and public toilets.

The aim is to provide a more conducive working environment for the SPTC staff and more comfort for commuters.

Mr Zialor also announced during the opening that the Anse aux Pins terminal has been earmarked for a complete redevelopment and that the SPTC will soon introduce 35 buses on its fleet to replace the ageing ones.

The number of buses will gradually be increased and they will still be from TATA motor vehicle company in India.

As for the Anse aux Pins terminal, work will start around December this year. Again the project is to bring about more comfort to passengers as well as to improve work environment for the SPTC staff. It can also be possibly used to decentralise some of the company’s services.

Present at the reopening of the Port Launay terminal was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan; the principal secretary for transport, Patrick Andre; the chairman of the SPTC board Steve Fanny, the Port Glaud district representatives, the district’s member of the National Assembly Sultanne Jacqueline and other high officials and staff of both the SPTC and the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA).

It was Minister Morgan himself and SPTC board chairman Steve Fanny who had the honour of cutting the ribbons to officially open the terminal building. The minister also unveiled the commemorative plaque together with MNA Jacqueline.

The idea for the project, said Mr Zialor, came about after complaints from commuters that the facility was old and a bit dangerous for daily use.

After approaching Minister Morgan regarding the matter, the plan was to redevelop the site for both the locals and visitors who use the facility. It was to make the area a more comfortable place for the commuters who wait for the buses there.

Mr Zialor remarked it was also with the comfort of SPTC staff in mind that the building was renovated.

“We have included a public car park for people who use the picnic area around Ephelia to park their cars, admin office, rest room, public toilet and a new tarmac area for the drivers to park their buses,” he said.

Security of the premises will be undertaken by SPTC itself.

The terminal building is already fenced off with only a point of entry open for the buses.

The resident manager of Constance Ephelia Seychelles, Mathias Colombat, said the hotel recognises the importance of working close and provides different support to the community in need and that the reconstruction of the Port Launay bus terminal reflects that engagement.

The district’s MNA said the old terminal, dear to many, has served its time well and is now replaced by this new modern one which responds to the needs and demand of stakeholders and commuters of Port Launay.

She said the project is a shining example of business operators working in partnership with government.

The Port Launay people have been urged by all to take good care of the facility.

Work to rebuild the terminal was undertaken by Onivo Construction.