A landmark that has stood at the centre of Victoria since 1903 will undergo maintenance work, as authorities move to restore the monument and preserve Seychelles’ cultural heritage.
The iconic clock tower in central Victoria will undergo major maintenance work from 11 April 2026.
Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein said the move reflects the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
“Today marks an important step in our commitment to preserve the cultural heritage of our nation,” she said.
The minister said the monument has worn over the years. She said work to restore it began in 2024. Authorities engaged experts from Gillett and Johnston, who originally built the clock tower before it was installed in 1903.
She said experts from Gillett and Johnston came to Seychelles in 2024 to carry out a detailed technical evaluation. This was done in collaboration with the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council.
“It is necessary that we today react responsibly to preserve the integrity of the monument for future generations,” the minister said. “This project did not start today. In 2024, our team engaged experts from Gillett and Johnston.”
Minister Amanda Bernstein said the work to restore and maintain the monument will be based on data collected from the evaluation. It will follow international conservation norms.
She said the restoration work is technical and well planned.
“It does not involve only aesthetic restoration, but also structural improvement and critical mechanics,” she said.
The work will involve replacing the clock mechanism, strengthening the foundation and restoring key components to ensure long-term durability and precision.
The minister said the historical expertise of Gillett and Johnston ensures the restoration respects the authenticity of the monument and its original work in line with international practices in heritage conservation.
She added that the restoration will bring together various national institutions. However, she warned of temporary inconvenience, especially regarding traffic circulation in Victoria.
“Measures are being put in place to minimise the impact, and we are asking members of the public for their cooperation for a period of about seven to eight weeks,” she said.
Minister Bernstein said the work is an investment in Seychelles’ cultural identity and future.