TWO years ago, when the Fiennes Institute old people's home was moved to new premises at North-East Point, the site at Plaisance was given to the University of Seychelles-American Institute of Medicine (USAIM).
However, so far, there has been no follow-up. The old Fiennes Institute has long been pulled down and the 150 elderly moved from overcrowded conditions at Plaisance to a more convenient home at North East Point, allowing them to live in more dignity. This happened just months before the 2006 presidential elections.
Besides overcrowding and poor facilities, proximity to the main road had been another inconvenience. During the day, many of the elderly could be seen roaming around or just sitting on the pavement.
Many people are now asking what has happened to the USAIM project? The site is now overgrown with vegetation and as far as we can tell, no plans to develop the site have been filed with the Planning Authority.
Despite its big name, the USAIM is hardly a university and the promoters are probably content to continue using the facilities of the A-Level Department at Anse Royale.
It attracts a few dozen mostly Indian and African students who do theory classes, but virtually no practical medical studies.
It is claimed that this boosts their chances of admission at an American university.
Also at Plaisance, another site, which was to provide pre-funeral services, including the possibility of cremation is now deserted. Part of the site, is in close proximity to the cemetery, used to house the headquarters of the National Guards or militia.
The National Guards have been disbanded, though nearly all its members have been redeployed elsewhere. The entire site now is closed off from public view by a big gate and it is not known what it will be used for.