The historical launching of the first locally owned dredger took place yesterday at Seychelles’ Providence Industrial Estate, Zone 20, in the presence of Danny Faure, the President of the Republic of Seychelles.
The new cutter suction dredger (CSD) was built in China, the State House Seychelles said in their announcement.
The vessel, owned by Vijay Construction, is 40 meters long, 15 meters wide and has a pumping capacity of 5000 cubic meters per hour.
Addressing guests during the ceremony, the Principal Secretary for Investment, Mr Michael Nalletamby , highlighted the country’s limitations pertaining to space and the benefits dredging and land reclamation have brought over the years.
“Through reclamation, we have seen the rise of the Roche Caiman Housing Estate, Providence Industrial Estate, the Providence Highway, the fishing ports and the satellite islands Aurore, Perseverance, Ile du Port, Romainville, Eden Island and Eve Island,” said Nalletamby.
“Today, most of the economic and administrative activities, our utilities and even food security facilities are located on reclaimed land. What’s more, in view of our topography, the increased demand for land and the continuous socio-economic growth, much more development is bound to happen on reclaimed land.
“On behalf of Government, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr Vijay Patel and Vijay Construction on taking the initiative to add to local assets, improving mobilization time and reclamation costs.”
At the ceremony, President Faure officially switched on the dredger for a demonstration followed by a guided tour of the vessel by the dredger operator, Mr Franky Valentin, and Vijay Construction Management.