Minister’s Site visit – Praslin

Since the beginning of this year, Seychelles has been experiencing high tides up to 2.2 metres. The excessive high tides have led to severe erosion of the coastline, causing damage and threatening private properties and public infrastructures.
Minister Cosgrow and his delegation visited L’Amitié, Anse Kerlan, Roche Corbizeau, La Blache Estate, Saint Joseph (Cacao River) on Praslin the 2nd July 2020. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize himself with the various projects that was being implemented by the Ministry and the extent of coastal erosion.
The impact of coastal erosion is prominent at Anse Kerlan opposite the Airport. The foundation of Seychelles Trading Company Depo (STC) depo, was partly damage and exposed due to severe erosion which was apparent along this part of the coastline. The Cabinet of Ministers approved for the Ministry to implement a project at this site to protect this part of the coastline.
“After various discussion and interaction with the district council finally we have received the funding to start the project. Our project will start where Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA) was doing the Rock armoring projects, the armor will be 150 Meters long and this will protect the road network and other infrastructures. I believe that at the end of the projects there would be an improvement on the protection of the coastal area.” Said Minister Cosgrow

The work is due to start once the Ministry finalized the tender process.

Minister Cosgrow visited several drainage projects being implemented by the Ministry at Saint Joseph and at La Blache Estate. The Minister was pleased with progress and affirmed the Government’s support and committed the allocation of the necessary funds for its implementation.
Minister Cosgrow also had the opportunity to visit a site at Anse Kerlan where Avangard- a Non-Governmental Organization did some intervention to protect the part of the coastline which endanger the livelihoods and properties of the coastal inhabitant. The Minster was greeted by the Secretary of the organisation, Ms. Natalie Dubuisson.
“As a result of climate change with sea level rise, we have lost more than 40 metres of land. We started by putting in place to protect the coast. We intend to finish this project at Anse Kerlan provided we receive financial assistance.” Said Ms. Dubuisson.
The members who were also in attendance had the opportunity to show the Minister the work they have done to protect their homes and the other people in the community. Avangard submitted a request to the Environment Trust Fund (ETF) to complete the project.

The Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Climate Change Mr. Wills Agricole, Special Advisor Mr. Denis Matatiken, Director of Climate Adaptation Management Section Mr. Selvan Pillay, Principal Climate Adaptation Officer Mr. Jean Claude Labrosse, Ms. Annie Simeon Senior Climate Adaptation Officer and Mrs. Linne Dubignon Senior Public Relation Officer.