Inauguration of Moniman Lespwar on Praslin-A symbol of progress, prosperity and hope for success |01 July 2006

The roundabout has been built at the crossroads of the original coastline at Baie Ste Anne, next to the Oxygen Discotheque, linking the new reclaimed Eve Island to other parts of Praslin.

The monument, which was inaugurated by President James Michel, symbolizes the link between what already existed and the new as well as the “passage” that Praslin is undergoing from its existing development to yet further progress and opportunities, for the Praslinois, particularly the younger generations.

These were the words of Vice-President Joseph Belmont, who is also the minister responsible for Transport, while delivering his speech at the inauguration of the Moniman Lespwar, at Baie Ste Anne on Thursday June 29.

The inauguration ceremony, which was part of activities organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Independence, was attended by cabinet ministers, members of the National Assembly for Baie Ste Anne and Grand Anse, Praslin youths and school children as well as other Praslinois.
 
Vice-President Belmont said that Moniman Lespwar will be “a constant reminder of our work and progress this far, and our aspiration and determination to continue working together to reach further and higher goals”.

Stating that Praslin has played a major role in developing and enterprising the country, Vice-President Belmont said that the island will continue to remain at the forefront of the country’s development strategy, before adding that in developing the full potential of the country, the government will continue to ensure that development benefits all Seychellois.

In this line, he said the government will continue to ensure that Praslin, La Digue and all the other islands receive the necessary attention in the country’s overall development strategy.

Stating that the development of Eve Island will provide more commercial activities and social services, which will spearhead developments on neighbouring islands, Vice- President Joseph Belmont said that it is fitting therefore, that the monument stands at the crossroads of this new development.

Stating that in recent years Praslin has been experiencing unprecedented development, Vice-President Belmont said that several important projects have been completed and new ones such as the regional stadium at Amitié, new facilities on Eve island for commercial projects, the construction of new housing and for the establishment of other essential services will be launched soon.

 “These projects will continue to improve the living conditions of our people. With unity of purpose and a sense of common determination, if we continue to work together and ensure the peace and stability that we enjoy, a lot can be achieved,” Vice-President Belmont said.

The monument, which has a spiral shape and a flattened edge, has been conceptualized and designed by artists Egbert Marday, Alma Dodin and Tom Bowers.

According to Mr Marday, all the other components of the monument have their significance. The durable granite rocks on which the monument stands on are not uniform, representing the struggle the country has faced over the years to reach the level of development we know of today. The granitic rocks, water and sand, which are important elements of our country’s geological structure, have been merged to form the monument.

Like the Monument La Providence at Providence on Mahe, Moniman Lespwar is made of stainless steel clad in bronze sheeting. 

Construction work on the roundabout, which has been carried out by Laxmanbhai & Co. Ltd, started in April. It has been funded by the government at a cost of R1.5 million.

According to transport director, Patrick André, the new roundabout at Baie Ste Anne, which will improve traffic flow between the mainland and Eve Island, will not be the only one for Praslin.
Mr André said that in the future, there are plans to build another roundabout at the junction at Grand Anse, Consolation and Vallée de Mai roads. He said that, following surveys conducted by the Land Transport Division, there is the need to build a roundabout at this location.

Mr André also talked about plans to build a proper road linking the roundabout at Baie Ste Anne to the Vallée de Mai via the road along the electricity station at Baie Ste Anne.

Mr André said that the diversion will facilitate traffic flow in this area, before adding that negotiations with regard to this project are still going on between the different partners and the private landowners.