Africa-Press – Seychelles. Urges public to use the public meetings to address local and national issues
President Wavel Ramkalawan has reiterated that the public meetings taking place at district level are non-political and has urged residents to use the platform to voice their concerns so that together, they can find plausible solutions.
The head of state was speaking at the fourth public meeting in Roche Caiman yesterday afternoon at the district’s administration office, in the company of his cabinet of ministers, but in the absence of the district’s elected member for the National Assembly, Audrey Vidot.
When launching the conversation, the president said it was a pity that the district’s MNA was not present.
“Those meetings have nothing to do with politics. It is a consultation, a moment for the executive to talk to its people, so they can clarify issues, ask questions or comment and make any form of contributions for our country’s progress,” he said.
The president said his government was ready to listen although it will not take all the suggestions and proposals made.
Similar to the three previous districts the main concerns raised by the residents related to housing applications and the Property Management Corporation (PMC), which provides, manages and maintains government housing.
Some residents were unhappy with the length of time they have been waiting for government housing, with application dating back to 20 years.
Minister Billy Rangasamy, who is in charge of the portfolio, informed the meeting that to date there were 150 applications for Roche Caiman, allocation of housing takes into account the waiting period and regular contributions of applicants. However, all concerns raised were taken down for further assessment.
The residents also accused PMC of failing in its mandate to ensure they were residing in a conducive environment, and for ensuring the premises, which they are mandated to maintain, were in proper conditions.
They also complained of disrespectful neighbours, drug trafficking, loud music and other anti-social behaviour in some areas, and failed attempts by the police to maintain law and order.
The president said at the end of the day, the onus was on all residents to ensure they created a conducive and peaceful environment.
He urged them to be neighbourly and to be respectful towards each other.
Another issue raised was the unavailability of employment for locals, with a resident stating that foreigners were being favoured over locals.
One resident also proposed that a place should be created for young artisans and entrepreneurs in the district who are highly skilled but who are unable to find a location to do their trade.
The issue of a new vegetable market was also broached, with the minister responsible for Agriculture, Flavien Joubert, stating that a plan was being drawn and the new design will be made public next month and if financial resources is made available in the second half of the year, construction of the new market in the green space in Roche Caiman could start.
Other points related to health, education, bus service among others.
Today’s meeting is at Anse Boileau.
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