DRMD Reports Acts of Vandalism at St Louis Hill Stabilisation Project Sites
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) has confirmed reports of several acts of vandalism taking place at the St Louis Hill stabilisation project sites and warned that these cases are being taken seriously. During an on-site interview conducted on Tuesday morning, senior risk management officer at the DRMD, Jade Landry, said people are tampering with protective barriers installed as part of the project.
Speaking to local media, Ms Landry explained that these barriers are critical safety measures, designed to reduce the risk and potential impact of landslides in the area. According to her, these acts of vandalism are becoming a growing concern and need to be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. ‘We’ve had reports of people climbing onto the mesh wall that was put up under the stabilisation project, so our team is now applying grease to the chains to help protect it,’ she explained. ‘They even damaged our inauguration plate.’ She warned that anyone caught engaging in such acts will face appropriate legal consequences in accordance with the law.
DRMD plans to strengthen security measures at the sites, which may include installing cameras or assigning a security officer. Although there were initial plans to place a gate at the entrance, Ms Landry explained that, for now, the public is being reminded that these are restricted areas and should not be accessed under any circumstances. She also raised concerns that climbing the wire mesh wall could result in injuries or compromise the barrier, which was put in place to ensure public safety.
Ms Landry stated that DRMD is launching an appeal, urging residents of St Louis who witness any such acts to report them immediately to the police or to the DRMD. ‘We want to educate the public that the security barriers installed under the stabilisation project are there for their own safety, to prevent any danger from reaching their homes or harming them during the rainy season,’ she said.
