Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, laid-back lifestyle and distinctive bicycle culture, La Digue remains one of Seychelles’ most treasured islands and a unique destination within the country’s tourism landscape. As the island continues to evolve, ensuring that its transport infrastructure and services keep pace with the needs of its growing community, businesses and visitors is becoming increasingly important.
With a focus on improving accessibility, strengthening essential transport services and ensuring that development respects the island’s distinctive character, the Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Ms. Veronique Laporte, undertook an official visit to La Digue over the weekend.
The visit combined inspections of completed and ongoing infrastructure projects with direct engagement with residents, local representatives and frontline transport employees, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to placing community needs at the heart of transport planning and development.
Driving Infrastructure Improvements Across the Island
Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry and its agencies, Minister Laporte visited several road infrastructure projects being implemented by the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA), aimed at improving accessibility, road safety and the overall resilience of La Digue’s transport network.
Among the sites visited were drainage improvement works near the school, recently resurfaced roads at Dan Mang and La Passe, as well as bridge repair works at Anse Sévère.
The Minister also assessed the condition of earth roads affected by recent heavy rainfall, which had resulted in flooding and deterioration in certain areas. Maintenance interventions have already commenced, including the re-levelling of road surfaces and the application of coral fill to restore accessibility and improve road conditions.
Looking ahead, Minister Laporte also visited locations identified for future infrastructure improvements, including Pension Michel Road and Anse Gaulette, where works are scheduled for implementation later in 2026 and during 2027.
These interventions form part of ongoing efforts to ensure that La Digue’s road network remains functional, accessible and responsive to the everyday needs of its residents, while supporting local businesses and the island’s tourism industry.
Giving the Community a Voice in La Digue’s Transport Development
A key highlight of the visit was a public meeting held at the La Digue Community Centre, where Minister Laporte engaged directly with residents, Government representatives and transport officials on the island’s current and future transport priorities.
The meeting provided an important platform for residents to share their experiences, raise concerns and contribute ideas on how transport infrastructure, road management and mobility regulations should evolve to support La Digue’s development.
Discussions centred on the type of road infrastructure needed to meet the island’s economic and social requirements, while ensuring that transport policies remain sensitive to its environmental characteristics and distinctive way of life.
Minister Laporte emphasised the importance of meaningful community participation in the decision-making process, noting that future transport developments must reflect the realities and expectations of the people who use the island’s transport network every day.
An important issue raised during the discussions was the forthcoming proclamation of public roads on La Digue, together with the regulatory and enforcement measures that will accompany it.
Recognising the importance of community understanding and cooperation, the Minister committed to returning to La Digue following the proclamation to continue discussions with residents, explain the applicable rules and regulations, and address any questions or concerns.
The engagement also demonstrated the importance of intergovernmental collaboration, with the Minister for Local Government and Inner Islands, Ms. Eveline Rose, joining the visit alongside the Member of the National Assembly for La Digue, Mr. Rocky Uranie, and officials from the respective ministries and agencies.
Strengthening Maritime Services and Supporting Frontline Employees
Beyond road infrastructure, Minister Laporte also turned her attention to another essential component of the island’s connectivity: maritime transport.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) Pier and La Digue Terminal, key facilities that support the movement of passengers, goods and essential supplies between La Digue and the other islands.
Recognising the vital role these facilities play in sustaining the island’s economy and daily life, the Minister took the opportunity to interact with employees on duty, observe their working environment and listen directly to concerns relating to operational challenges, working conditions and facilities requiring improvement.
The discussions provided valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of frontline personnel and highlighted areas requiring further attention to support the efficient delivery of maritime services.
Minister Laporte indicated that she intends to dedicate additional time during her next visit to meeting SPA employees, including those who were not on duty during the inspection, to ensure that their concerns and perspectives are also heard and considered.
Protecting La Digue’s Character While Planning for the Future
La Digue’s identity is deeply rooted in its natural beauty, traditional lifestyle and distinctive approach to mobility. Preserving these qualities while responding to the island’s changing infrastructure and transport requirements remains central to its future development.
Minister Laporte’s visit brought together these important considerations through direct project inspections, discussions with technical officials and meaningful exchanges with the community and transport personnel.
The engagements reinforced the importance of pursuing infrastructure improvements and regulatory measures that enhance accessibility, safety and efficiency without compromising the environmental and cultural qualities that make La Digue so special.
As the Ministry continues working alongside its agencies and Government partners, the focus remains on developing practical, sustainable and people-centred transport solutions that respond to the island’s present needs while preparing it for the future.
A Continued Commitment to La Digue
The official visit concluded with a commitment to maintain open dialogue, follow up on the concerns raised and advance the infrastructure and transport priorities identified during the engagements.
For Minister Laporte and the Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, the message is clear: shaping La Digue’s transport future requires more than infrastructure development. It requires listening to the community, supporting the people who keep essential services running and ensuring that every improvement contributes to a safer, more accessible and sustainable island.
Through continued collaboration and community participation, the Ministry remains committed to supporting La Digue’s development while preserving the unique character that makes it an exceptional part of Seychelles.
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