Residents of Anse La Mouche and adjacent areas walked back home in frustration Monday after a public meeting to present a proposed tourist resort by Qatar Airways was called off at the last moment.
The much publicized meeting was supposed to discuss the project with residents prior to drawing up of plans and the carrying out of an Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA) report.
Some 20 people had turned up for the meeting at the Anse Boileau Community Centre by 4.30 pm or half an hour before its scheduled opening, but found the place locked. The District Administrator, seemingly one of the few people aware of the cancellation , was nowhere in sight, though her counterpart from Baie Lazare was present, looking rather embarrassed.
The site is about 50 acres of land purchased from the Seychelles Development Corporation ( SDC) which also owns prime land at Fairyland and some other scenic spots. It stretches from upper Anse La Mouche to the beachfront somewhere near where a cold store, presently run by Mr Gilbert Rassool stands.
Residents had presumably wanted clarification about the proposed road diversion and public access to the beach. The site also comprises a large area of mangrove, habitat for seabirds, crabs and other fauna, whose protection is justified.
It is hoped that the proposed meeting is held in due course and the residents’ views taken into account.
Most similar exercises have in the past been just eyewash. A meeting held two months ago to discuss the proposed development on Ile Aurore, off Anse Etoile, raised pertinent issues. The proposed construction by Pinnacle Holdings of South Africa, of villas, condominiums, golf course, casino and marina will involve reclaiming another 40 hectares. Residents, notably fishermen voiced fears that this would entail more destruction of the coral reefs as well as making it increasingly hazardous to lay their traps. Eradication of a particular seagrass on which demersal fish feed, was also a point of concern.
Though residents were given assurances that their views would be taken into account, it is quite obvious that the plans were final, as National Development Minister Jaquelin Dugasse presented rather elaborate plans of the project to the National Assembly, barely a month later. His presentation included detailed figures of the forex earnings to be derived from the proposed development. Critics have claimed that this was tantamount to “ kont dizef dan vant poul” or counting chickens before they are hatched.
Another such eyewash was at Port Glaud early last year, when those present strongly objected to any plans by the Mauritian promoters to bar access to this highly popular beach. It is a favourite picnic spot for both Seychellois and visitors alike. Mr Jean Weeling, a director of Corvina Investments, local partners for the project, to be called “ Ephelia Resorts, was also present and heard the discontent. However, the EIA report rendered public early this month, makes no provision for public beach access. This matter has been referred to the Department of Environment.
Often, such gatherings, like the consultative meetings held in the districts by President Michel prior to the 2006 election , are just bluff and meant to mislead Seychellois into believing that things are being conducted in their interests.