HARI Builders donates SCR 650,000 for St. Louis playing field renovations

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, HARI Builders (PTY) LTD made a generous donation of SCR 650,000 to the St. Louis District Authority, through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs. This donation will greatly advance the completion of the highly anticipated St. Louis playing field renovations. Specifically, the funds will be used to construct two key infrastructures: a changing room, including toilet area, and seating facilities.

The cheque presentation took place at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, located at Ocean Gate House. It was the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, along with the Member of the National Assembly for St. Louis, Honourable Sathya Naidu, who received the cheque from the Directors of HARI Builders,Mr. Harish Patel. The event was also graced by the presence of the Principal Secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Kevin Perine, the Acting District Administrator for St. Louis, Mrs. Chantal Mahoune, and the Ministry’s management team.

The renovation of the playing field itself is a project undertaken by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency, with the support of the National Sports Council (NSC), at a sum of SCR 2.4 million. However, the budgeted amount had not been enough for the construction of the changing room and seating facilities. Work undertaken so far has involved the leveling of the area, construction of a boundary wall, construction of parking areas, surfacing, drainage, and fencing. Upcoming work will involve turfing and landscaping of the field, which will soon be tendered out. The NSC will also contribute lights to illuminate the field at night.

The Government is delighted to witness the proactive involvement of private companies in the development of public and community infrastructure projects.  Mr. Valji Velji Patel and Mr. Harish Patel, both Directors at HARI Builders (PTY) LTD and residents of St. Louis, felt a strong desire to give back to their community, particularly to sporting initiatives that will help uplift the youth. His company, also based in the district, was approached by Hon. Naidu, who played a pivotal role in securing sponsorship for the much-needed changing room and seating facilities.

In her address, the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, stated, “Today’s donation serves as a perfect example of the public-private initiatives being championed by our Government to enhance public and community infrastructure. Businesses in Seychelles are the cornerstone of our country’s socio-economic development, but this progress is only possible with the well-being of our communities. HARI Builders has recognised this vital connection, which is why we see their generous contribution today”.

On his part the Director of HARI Builders, Mr. Harish Patel, expressed, “This donation has been in the works since October last year thanks to Honourable Naidu, and I am happy we could present this cheque today. We have more to do for our district and as a resident of St. Louis, I want to do something special for the youths.”

MNA for St. Louis, Hon. Sathya Naidu, further stated, “With the changing rooms, toilet facilities, and refurbished seating facilities, the area will be more fitting for use by various sports teams and it is my intention, along with the support of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, to name these facilities after two St. Louis legends. We are putting all of the necessary infrastructure in place to ensure that St. Louis becomes a hub for positivity.”

The project, including the changing rooms, toilets and seating facilities, is hoped to be unveiled before the end of this year.