La Digue’s Roads & Ports Under Review as Minister Laporte Pushes for Community-Led Development

Minister Veronique Laporte’s weekend visit included site inspections of ongoing road and port projects, a town hall meeting with residents on upcoming regulatory changes, and commitments to improve maritime services while preserving the island’s unique character.

In a concerted effort to balance modernization with the preservation of its unique cultural identity, Seychelles Minister for Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation, Veronique Laporte, visited La Digue over the weekend. The visit combined on-the-ground inspections of critical infrastructure projects with direct consultations with residents, local officials, and transport workers.

Known for its serene beaches and distinctive reliance on bicycles, La Digue faces the delicate challenge of upgrading its transport network to meet growing demands from residents, businesses, and tourists without eroding the character that draws visitors to the island.

Infrastructure Inspections and Upgrades

Accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry and the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA), Minister Laporte toured several completed and ongoing road projects. Key sites included drainage improvements near the local school, recently resurfaced roads in Dan Mang and La Passe, and bridge repairs at Anse Sévère.

Particular attention was paid to the impact of recent heavy rainfall, which caused flooding and deterioration in areas with earth roads. Maintenance works, including re-levelling surfaces and applying coral fill, have already commenced to restore accessibility and safety.

The Minister also surveyed locations slated for future improvements, including Pension Michel Road and Anse Gaulette, with works planned for late 2026 and throughout 2027. These upgrades are viewed as essential not just for mobility, but for sustaining the island’s economic activity and daily community life.

Community at the Center of Planning

A central component of the visit was a public meeting at the La Digue Community Centre. The forum brought together residents, government representatives, and transport officials to discuss the island’s mobility future.

Residents used the platform to voice concerns and share perspectives on how transport development should evolve. Discussions centered on the types of infrastructure needed to support economic and social growth, and the importance of keeping regulatory frameworks appropriate for La Digue’s unique environment.

Minister Laporte emphasized the necessity of community participation in these decisions. A key topic was the forthcoming proclamation of public roads on the island, which will introduce new regulatory and enforcement measures. The Minister committed to returning post-proclamation to continue dialogue with residents, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the new rules.

Maritime Transport and Worker Welfare

Beyond roads, the visit highlighted the importance of maritime connectivity. Minister Laporte inspected the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) Pier and La Digue Terminal, recognizing that the efficient movement of passengers, goods, and supplies is vital to the island’s economy.

During the inspection, the Minister interacted with frontline employees, observing their working conditions and listening to operational concerns. She indicated an intention to dedicate more time during her next visit to engage with SPA staff, including those not on duty, to further address their issues and improve working facilities.

Cooperation and Continued Dialogue

The engagement was a collaborative effort across government. The Minister for Local Government and Inner Islands, Eveline Rose, joined the visit, alongside Member of National Assembly for La Digue, Rocky Uranie.

The weekend’s events underscored a government approach that prioritizes continued dialogue. For La Digue, the path forward involves more than just concrete and coral; it requires ensuring that transport services remain safe, practical, and responsive to the people who call the island home.

Minister Laporte concluded the visit with a commitment to follow up on all matters raised, as the Ministry works alongside its partners and the La Digue community to shape the island’s infrastructure future.