01.27.12
Seychelles’ President updates on progress and Seychelles2020 Vision
On January 23, 2012, President James Michel met members of the Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission with a view to discuss the progress of the projects showcased in the Seychelles2020 Expo in March 2011. It is worth noting that Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission was initially known as the National Project Monitoring Unit.
President Michel was briefed on the project implementation timeline and detailed plans for Ile Soleil and Ile Aurore in particular, as both projects are to start in 2012.
In June 2011, technical studies were made. They were followed by subdivision and demarcation of plots of land in October 2011 and an environment study in November 2011. Currently the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) Seychelles 2020 sales office is being planned for installation into an area of the National Library building in March 2012. In July 2012, its construction is expected to start and be completed in several phases by 2015.
The commission outlined the plans for financing of the housing and commercial projects. It should be noted that these are expected to attract 100% private sourcing. Also, it was announced that the infrastructure including roads, water, electricity, and sewerage would be built by a public limited company that will be established by the government soon.
The meeting of the Commission was attended by secretary of state in the President’s Office, Ambassador Barry Faure who chairs of the commission, principal secretary (PS) for Presidential Affairs Lise Bastienne, the PS for Land Use and Housing Christian Lionnet, chief executive of the Public Utilities Corporation Philip Morin, chief executive of the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB) Sherin Renaud, chief executive of the Planning Authority Gerard Hoareau, architect Alain Hazan from the private sector, director for Project Implementation in the Department of Land Use Yves Choppy, and SIB’s director of Investment Promotion and Facilitation Sabrina Agathine.
The Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission is mandated to liaise with all agencies and persons in the country, public or private, and facilitate broad cross-agency coordination, monitor implementation. Also, it is to keep the President and the cabinet of ministers informed of the progress of the projects.