The elected member for Beau Vallon, Joh Hoareau, raised the Assomption tourism development while questioning Environment Minister Marie May Jeremie during the presentation of her ministry’s 2026 budget.
The question followed a recent statement by the chief executive of the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, about the possible resumption of construction on Assomption Island.
Responding in the Assembly, Ms Jeremie confirmed that the government is reviewing conditions linked to the project.
“Yes, the Seychelles Islands Foundation has made a declaration regarding the resumption of the tourism development project this week that was made public,” she said.
“I can confirm that the government is looking at ways to give certain release for the project, so there is a variation notice that is being made that is highlighting a few areas where the developer has redressed prior issues of contention.”
She said one of the issues involved financing support for the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
However, the minister said no construction work has started because the government requires stronger biosecurity safeguards.
“Up to now any work has not yet started because we are insisting that biosecurity facilities are put in place,” Ms Jeremie said.
She added that earlier proposals from the developer did not address concerns about risks to the nearby Aldabra Atoll. Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Before when we spoke to the developers about biosecurity there was a very basic measure that was being put in place and it was not sufficient to reassure us about some of the risks that we have in consideration to Aldabra,” she said.
The minister said the government will ensure that biosecurity systems operate effectively before allowing further development on the island.
She added that the immediate focus will be the construction of a jetty.
According to Ms Jeremie, the jetty will reduce pressure caused by barges operating on the beach. She said it will also allow authorities to manage biosecurity procedures in a more controlled way.
The Island Development Company and the Seychelles Islands Foundation are carrying out the work together.
Ms Jeremie also said SIF recently advertised several positions as authorities move to recruit staff linked to the project.
She said the Island Development Company and SIF are working on the biosecurity facility. Once the facility is completed, the newly created environmental task force will inspect it. Environment Minister Marie May Jeremie heads the task force. The inspection will take place before any additional work proceeds.
The minister said authorities will only consider limited infrastructure work at this stage.
She said the government will prioritise existing structures or structures the developer has already exposed.
She added that any other development will remain subject to the outcome of the inquiry. It will also depend on the completion of the biodiversity assessment.
Dr Fleischer-Dogley made the remarks while appearing before the Commission of Inquiry. The commission is examining the lease of Assomption Island for development. During the hearing, she spoke about the possible resumption of construction.
The inquiry is led by commissioner Judge Mathilda Twomey. The commission continues to examine matters linked to the lease and development of the island.