Confusion over building regulation in Praslin and La Digue

Many Praslinois and Diguois are perplexed about a new planning regulation forbidding housing construction beyond 50 metres from sea-level, applicable in Praslin and La Digue only.

It appears that several applications in Praslin have been turned down because ,it was claimed, they were building too high on the mountainsides.

One young Seychellois who had worked for many years in UK and saved up to buy a property at Anse Marie Louise, was recently disheartened when his application for a few bungalows was rejected on the grounds that they were above 50 metres from the sea level.

It is difficult to fathom why this is so. Some government officials have cited erosion caused by building on mountain slopes. The MNA for Baie Ste Anne Praslin, Ms Mitcy Larue, once queried the issue in the National Assembly in an apparent bid to please some of her constituents, but received an evasive reply.

Seychelles, including Praslin and La Digue, has very little flat land and over the years, hundreds of houses have been built on mountainsides. This includes the President, ministers and most of the ruling elite. Some have even built in national parks, in complete disregard of environment regulations.

It is time the Planning authorities clarify the issue to avoid any misunderstandings.