The need for a Public Capital Project Steering Community

An important part of national development within a nation is the transparency of the infrastructural development process. This is not the case here in Seychelles and is one that requires urgent, immediate and effective attention as part of the government’s public policy. The Government of the day has said that a number of projects that are beneficial to the economy are being developed in the Seychelles. Yet scrutiny of the implementation process, the feasibility of the project, and the appraisal of its long term and short term impact on the environment and economy is not given the necessary importance.

Time and time again this Government has made numerous claims of the projects being undertaken for the benefits of its citizens. The failure of the projects not living up to expectations has never been questioned. The reasons for the projects failures have also not been given sufficient attention. This shows a lack of institutional capacity or a lack of focusing resources to ensure successful project implementation.

Another important element, not the key factor, is the lack of political will at national level to allow these projects the required scrutiny and appraisal necessary for their success. One of the glaring examples of this is the rapid expansion of economic activity on Mahé and Praslin. How much abreast of these developments has been the development of Public utilities here in the Seychelles. The road system as exemplified by the roads in the North of Mahé show the lack of proper planning, maintenance and development. Water and electricity supply and distribution has also not been given the proper attention required for the positive economic development of the Seychelles.

Other areas falling into the same category are the health and education system. The institutions are not being bolstered to absorb the potential increases within the socio-economic context of development. Throwing figures at the public, as is done with the annual budgets, do not foster much public confidence in the way of doing things. As with many proposals put forth for the benefit of the nation – this one will again go unheard by those whose best interests it does not serve.