President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, today witnessed the official handover of three containerised desalination plants donated by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), delivering a tangible outcome from his first overseas mission just days after taking office.
The three plants will provide Seychelles with an additional 3,000 cubic metres of water-production capacity per day, strengthening the country’s ability to respond to water shortages and prolonged dry periods and providing greater resilience to the water supply system. The three containerised desalination plants are valued at approximately USD 2.5 million.
President Herminie’s first overseas mission to the UAE, undertaken shortly after his election, placed Seychelles’ key national priorities at the centre of discussions with the UAE leadership. Water security was among the issues raised, with the President highlighting the need for practical support as Seychelles continues to face increasing pressure on its water resources.
The plants will be operated by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) and stationed at key PUC facilities where additional water-production capacity is particularly needed. Two plants are earmarked for Anse Royale on Mahé, where they will strengthen water production for the southern and eastern parts of the island. The third is earmarked for Grand Anse, Praslin, in the Anse Kerlan–Anse Corbiseau area, providing additional support to the water supply serving communities in the area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Environment Ms Marie-May Jeremy said water security remains a major concern for Seychelles, particularly during prolonged dry periods when pressure increases on rivers, reservoirs and existing water-supply infrastructure.
She said President Herminie “very quickly recognised this as a priority and followed up closely to secure support adding that the Government was pleased to see that this resolve had paid off.
Minister Jeremy said the three plants would give PUC greater flexibility during dry periods, maintenance works and at times when other water-production facilities are under pressure. She highlighted the particular importance of the additional capacity for Praslin, where maintaining a reliable water supply during dry periods has remained a concern for residents and businesses for several years.
“Ultimately, the value of this donation will be seen in the support it provides to households, businesses and communities when our water system is under the greatest pressure. That is the outcome we are working towards,” Minister Jeremy said.
While the desalination plants will provide immediate and practical support, Minister Jeremy stressed that desalination is only one part of the Government’s wider response to water security. Government will continue to invest in water storage, improve the distribution network, reduce water losses and strengthen the infrastructure required to secure Seychelles’ water supply over the long term.
Speaking on behalf of the UAE, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Seychelles, His Excellency Ahmed Alneyadi, said that the UAE recognised that water security was an increasingly important challenge for island nations such as Seychelles, particularly as changing climatic conditions contribute to longer and more frequent periods of drought.
“The United Arab Emirates takes this matter very seriously and remains committed to supporting Seychelles in addressing these challenges,” Mr Alneyadi said, expressing the hope that the plants would ease pressure on the country’s water supply and make a practical and long-lasting contribution to Seychelles’ water security.
He added that the plants would support communities on both Mahé and Praslin while providing PUC with additional capacity to ensure a more reliable water supply during periods of drought and other water-related challenges.
The UAE Chargé d’Affaires described the handover as another important chapter in the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries, built on mutual respect, trust, close cooperation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and the wellbeing of their peoples.
A commitment raised during President Herminie’s first overseas mission has now resulted in tangible support for communities across Seychelles, adding much-needed water-production capacity and strengthening the country’s resilience for the future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
