Belgian company Jan De Nul to begin land reclamation work in Seychelles in March
Victoria, Seychelles | January 29, 2026, Thursday @19:51 in National » General | By: Betymie Bonnelame Editor English | Views: 340
The Jan De Nul Dredging company will be undertaking the land reclamation.
The Belgian company Jan De Nul Dredging Ltd will carry out land reclamation work in the Seychelles. The contract was signed this morning at the State House, in the presence of President Patrick Herminie and senior government officials.
The agreement was signed by Denis Barbe, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, on behalf of the government, and by representatives of Jan De Nul Dredging Ltd, in the presence of delegations from the relevant ministries.
The work is expected to begin in March and be completed before the end of the year. "The project was initiated in 2016, and following the arrival of the new government, one of the priorities is to finalise this matter," said Vice President Sebastien Pillay, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Housing.
More than 570,000 square metres of new land will be created, notably for real estate projects on Ile Aurore, schools, infrastructure development, and to support the growth of small businesses. This project will allow the country to replenish its sand reserves for construction. The Seychelles' government is financing the project.
"We already have the funds to begin the first phase, which amounts to 15 million euros, and the remainder will be self-financed by a company that will manage the project, as has been the case previously," the Vice President said.
He noted that Seychelles has extensive experience in carrying out land reclamation projects. To support its economic development and meet the demand for housing, Seychelles has undertaken several land expansion projects.
"We have been working with this company for years, and that is why we have once again entrusted its management with this new project," added the Vice President. To maximise the return on investment, the government will also explore the possibility of completing other smaller projects while the work is underway.
Vice President Pillay indicated that bringing in the necessary equipment will cost six million euros.
