PRASLIN TO CATER FOR MORE MARINE VESSELS, PLANS UNDERWAY TO BUILD A NEW MARINA

Praslin is Seychelles' second largest (and most inhabited) island of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

It lies only about 40km or so Northwest of the main island of Mahé and like the latter, attracts many marine vessels.

The issue lies in that now, Praslin does not have a marina. As stated by the Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, the government intends to develop a 5,000 squared-metre plot of land to cater for the construction of a marina.

With intentions of this would-be marina being to standard, it is said that it will feature a 200-metre causeway, lined with pontoons as well as water, refuelling, waste and sewerage management facilitates, and anything else expected to be found at a marina.

Minister Derjacques has noted that currently, Praslin caters only for a small passenger terminal area that can accommodate between 30 and 40 vessels. It has been recognised that vessels that go to Praslin, or even La Digue (the third largest and populated island) there is no place to berth. Usually, boat owners end up remaining at sea or going back to Mahé after a day or so.

This contrasts with the main island which, in its entirety, can cater for about 500 to 600 vessels.

The implementation of this marina, which will be situated at Baie Ste. Anne is in fact part of a larger plan and project for a new town centre.

Seychelles is no stranger to pleasure crafts, and this trend is on the rise.

The government foresees that with a larger marina on Praslin and other facilities built in its vicinity, visitors will be able to enjoy more services allowing businesses to benefit even further.

With the project being a public-private partnership, the government will soon launch a call for expressions of interest and the project's particulars. The submitted plans will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee to see which better fits the vision of the government for the area.

"We want the project to become a success not only for the operators but also for the population of Praslin and the leisure vessels that will be berthing. This is one of the marinas that we envision building on Praslin." said Derjacques.