Known for its picturesque beaches, traditional way of life and distinctive reliance on bicycles as a principal means of transport, La Digue Island holds a special place in Seychelles' tourism landscape. As the island continues to develop, ensuring that its transport infrastructure meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors while preserving its unique character remains an important priority.
It was against this backdrop that the Seychelles Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms. Veronique Laporte, undertook an official visit to La Digue over the weekend, combining inspections of infrastructure projects with direct engagement with residents, local representatives and frontline transport workers.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to assess progress on ongoing projects, identify areas requiring further attention and discuss the island's future transport needs, taking into consideration its economic activities, environmental characteristics and the daily realities of those who live and work there.
Improving Infrastructure and Accessibility were key points on the mind of Minister Veronique Laporte.
Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry and its agencies, Minister Laporte visited several completed and ongoing road infrastructure projects being implemented by the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA).
These included drainage improvements near the school, recently resurfaced roads at Dan Mang and La Passe, and bridge repair works at Anse Sévère. The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, accessibility and the resilience of the island's infrastructure.
Particular attention was given to earth roads affected by recent heavy rainfall, which had caused flooding and deterioration in certain areas. Maintenance works have commenced, including re-levelling road surfaces and applying coral fill to restore accessibility and improve driving conditions.
The Minister also inspected locations earmarked for future improvements, including Pension Michel Road and Anse Gaulette, where works are planned for later in 2026 and during 2027.
For an island where residents, businesses and tourism operators depend on accessible and well-maintained roads, these improvements are important not only for mobility but also for supporting economic activity and everyday community life.
Putting the Community at the Centre of Transport Planning was a central focus point for the visit. The Minister held a public meeting at the La Digue Community Centre, bringing together residents, Government representatives and transport officials for discussions on the future of mobility and road infrastructure on the island.
The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to express their concerns, share their experiences and contribute their views on how transport development should evolve to meet La Digue's changing needs.
Discussions focused on the type of road infrastructure required to support the island's economic and social development, as well as the importance of ensuring that transport policies and regulations remain appropriate to its unique environment.
The Minister emphasised the importance of community participation in shaping future transport decisions, recognising that development must respond to the needs of those who depend on the island's transport network every day.
An important matter discussed was the forthcoming proclamation of public roads on La Digue and the associated regulatory and enforcement measures.
Minister Laporte committed to returning to the island following the proclamation to continue discussions with residents on the rules and regulations governing road use. This follow-up engagement will provide another opportunity for the community to raise questions and better understand the proposed measures.
The visit also reflected cooperation between different areas of Government. The Minister for Local Government
and Inner Islands, Ms. Eveline Rose, joined the engagements alongside the Member of the National Assembly for La Digue, Mr. Rocky Uranie, and officials from the respective ministries and agencies.
On the question of supporting essential Maritime Transport Services beyond road infrastructure, Minister Laporte turned her attention to maritime transport services, concluding her visit with an inspection of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) Pier and La Digue Terminal.
As an island dependent on maritime connections for the movement of passengers, goods and essential supplies, the efficiency and reliability of port facilities are important to La Digue's economy and the well-being of its residents.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with employees on duty, observed their working environment and listened to concerns relating to operational matters, working conditions and facilities requiring improvement.
The discussions provided an opportunity to better understand the challenges faced by frontline staff and identify areas requiring further attention.
Minister Laporte indicated that she intends to dedicate additional time during her next visit to engaging with SPA employees, including those who were not on duty, to follow up on the concerns raised and hear their perspectives.
Balancing Development with La Digue’s Unique Identity and realising that
La Digue's appeal lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its distinctive lifestyle and character. As the island continues to experience development and evolving transport needs, maintaining a balance between improved infrastructure, road safety, economic activity and environmental considerations remains essential.
The Minister's visit brought these priorities together through direct inspections, discussions with technical officials and opportunities for residents and workers to express their views.
While infrastructure improvements and regulatory reforms will require continued planning and implementation, the engagements highlighted the importance of involving the community in decisions that will shape the island's future.
For La Digue, the way forward is not simply about developing more infrastructure, but ensuring that transport services and facilities remain safe, practical and responsive to the needs of its people, while respecting the qualities that make the island one of Seychelles' most distinctive destinations.
The visit concluded with a commitment to continued dialogue and follow-up on the matters raised, as the Ministry works with its partners and the La Digue community to advance transport development on the island.
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