Seychelles Government representatives meet La Digue Island inhabitants to present proposals for L Union Estate re-development
Almasalla Arab Travel Portal News – Minister Pierre Laporte, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Finance, Trade and Investment chaired a public meting on the tourism island of La Digue to present to the inhabitants of the island the Government’s proposals for the re-development of the famous L’Union Estate where the most picturesque beach of the island is located.
Also on La Digue for the meeting were Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Madame Lise Bastienne, the Secretary General in the President’s Office, the Chairman and Board Members of the L’Union Estate Board of Directors, Principles Secretaries for the Ministries of Land Use & Habitat, of Natural Resources & Industry and other Senior Government Officials.
The controversial topic of a new hotel to be built on L’Union Estate was discussed and the inhabitants of La Digue were assured by Minister Laporte that no hotel would be built on this natural heritage site of La Digue. Minister Laporte also explained the the estate would now separate the agricultural and housing estates from the main L’Union Estate and that the Grand Kase (Old colonial house) would be restored to its original state. The Minister also confirmed that the estate’s jetty was to be repaired and a second restaurant set up in what is today the administrative block of the estate.
The historical bull drawn copra press (moulin), and the copra drying house (calorifer) would be repaired and remain accessible to visitors.
The future of the existing boat yard raised a lot debate with most in the packed room saying that it had to be retained.
The main mission of the Government Delegation was to continue the process of consultation with the population before any major development affecting the lives of the inhabitants is confirmed.
The Diguois all expressed their satisfaction that the Government had taken the trouble to bring the L’Union Estate re-development project to them in what they said was an appreciated consultative process.
