Construction of Grand Anse Mahe Dam, in Seychelles
is soon to commence. This is according to Italian-based company, Studio
Pietrangeli.
Studio Pietrangeli said that final feasibility
report and detailed design of the new dam is expected to be ready in January
next year to pave way for construction works to begin. The study was
commissioned in 2017 by the company overseeing the project in Seychelles – the Public Utilities Corporation
(PUC).
Services sought include: assessment of alternatives
to constructing the dam; assessing a possible hydropower plant to accompany the
dam; impacts assessment of the designed project, which entails environmental
and social considerations and resettlement actions; and readying of tender
documents for the diverse project components, among others.
Situated in Mahe district, Anse dam is a major part
of Seychelles’ major infrastructure initiatives. It is part of the country’s
water supply development 2030. It will help the island nation with water
security at a time of rising visits from tourists. This is the third major
feasibility study for the construction of a dam in the Grand Anse Mahe district.
The first study dates back to 1972, and the second one was commissioned in 1991
and undertaken by GIBB – a Mauritius-based consultancy.
An Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study has
been conducted by local environment consultant, Eco-Sol, and the findings were
presented to the inhabitants of Grand Anse Mahe. The study looked at the
social, economic and environmental impact the construction of the dam will have
in the area.
According Water and Sewerage in the Public
Utilities Corporation (PUC), the dam is projected to around 850,000 m3
of water, with a daily yield of 9,600 m3.
“This is quite significant because today with a
small treatment plant at Grand Anse Mahe, we are producing, 3,000 m3
per day. So the dam will greatly increase capacity for the entire western and
southern regions,” said Steve Mussard, Managing Director of PUC.
Some concerns however were raised by inhabitants including noise pollution during the construction phase, destruction of biodiversity as the area will be flooded, and impact on economic activities such as agriculture.https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/07/construction-of-seychelles-grand-anse-dam-to-commence/
