A temporary market is to be set up in Victoria Capital outskirts due to overcrowding at the city’s central market
A temporary market on the outskirts of Victoria Capital is set to be constructed. This is in line with efforts to reduce congestion witnessed in Victoria’s main market.
The temporal market will be located at Bois De Rose for the time being while the Agriculture Agency looks for a suitable location to construct a permanent market. Officials from the agency revealed that overcrowding in the main market had reached worrying levels with vendors using the streets to sell their products. The Seychelles Agricultural Agency, deputy chief executive Linetta Estico, said that space availability in the market was an issue of concern. Linetta Estico also confirmed that plans for an additional market would be presented to the Planning Authority of Seychelles. Construction of a new permanent market would kick off immediately after the authority’s approval.
The central market, ‘Sir Selwyn- Clarke Market’ was built back in the 1840s and underwent renovation in 1999. It is the only main market in the Capital, in Seychelles which is a group of 115 islands Western of Indian Ocean. The market is at the heart of Victoria and stocks various fresh vegetables, fruits and fish among other products. The market is also a significant tourist attraction which gives them a Seychellois way of life experience. Tourists also shop for unique products made in the country at the market.
The deputy executive officer revealed that the new market is set to accommodate up to 28 vendors preferably those dealing with vegetables and fruits from the primary market. Local craftsman under Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SEnPA) management would also be incorporated in the new market.
The initiative was welcomed by vendors at the Sir Selwyn- Clarke Market. Marcel Suzette, one of the main market’s vendors, pointed out that a new market would be good for both shoppers and vendors. He said that another market would provide an option to buyers apart from the overcrowded market. Marcel Suzette also expressed hopes that the temporary market and others to be built in future would contain more entertainment to attract both local shoppers and tourists.
