Following last week’s article entitled “Second resort for Desroches” which disclosed that land on that island given to the French waste-disposal company, STAR, as payment of the government’s debts, has now been sold to a South African company, this newspaper has learnt that sub-divisions have been carried out on several islands, indicating that a major transfer of land there is being planned.
Twenty-eight of the 30 plots (totalling 15 acres) transferred to STAR under a 70-year lease in 2002 by the Islands Development Company ( IDC) headed by Glenny Savy, has been sub-leased to Great Plains Safari, managed by South African Colin Bell for the development of villas to be sold as private residences.
Documents in the Registry reveal that some 150 plots have been surveyed in the Amirantes group; on Deroches, Remire and Alphonse.
Over 50 plots have been surveyed on Desroches, the biggest and many claim, the most beautiful island in the Amirantes. Besides boasting some of the best diving sites anywhere, Desroches offers a combination of seclusion, while being quite accessible - only a 45 minute flight or an overnight boat ride from Mahe.
The plots surveyed on Desroches and other islands are mostly ½ acre. But others range from ¼ acre to a full acre (4000 sq metres). It is quite likely that they have either been earmarked for luxury tourism development or vacation spots for the privileged.
Buyers will have necessary infrastructure, such as water, electricity and also benefit from the existing airstrip and regular boat service.