VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor of Victoria, the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency, the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, the Seychelles Police, and the Department of Transport, has announced that major restoration works on the Victoria clock tower monument will commence on Saturday April 11, 2026, and are scheduled to run for seven weeks until the end of May, with the project involving the replacement of the internal clock mechanism, structural reinforcement of the foundation, and restoration of external features and mechanical elements. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Botanical House on Thursday, where Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein described the clock tower as not merely a monument but a key symbol of Seychelles’ cultural identity.
The restoration of the Victoria clock tower matters deeply to all Seychellois because the structure, which stands at the heart of the capital, represents a shared national heritage that connects generations and serves as one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Indian Ocean region. Its deterioration over time has been a source of concern for heritage advocates, historians, and ordinary citizens alike, and the commencement of works marks a long-awaited acknowledgement that preserving this landmark is a national responsibility.
Preparatory work for the project began in 2024, when a specialist from Gillett and Johnston, the original manufacturer of the clock tower, conducted an on-site technical assessment in collaboration with the Seychelles National Heritage Resource Council to evaluate the monument’s condition and define the scope and methodology of the restoration works. Key interventions will include replacement of the internal clock mechanism to improve accuracy and reliability, structural reinforcement and raising of the foundation for enhanced stability, restoration of external features and mechanical elements, and improvements to ensure long-term durability and resilience, according to Minister Bernstein. Due to the clock tower’s central location, temporary traffic diversions will be implemented in coordination with the Seychelles Police, with Albert Street traffic to be diverted to Independence Avenue during specified working hours.
The new Mayor of Victoria, Josie Michaud-Payet, described the moment as a prestigious one and said she is proud to be part of the project, expressing strong advocacy for culture and heritage and noting that it is one of the key projects she will be overseeing as mayor. Director general for Land Transport Elvis Adrienne confirmed that a traffic management plan has been set up to ensure there are no road closures during the restoration, urging motorists to take precautions and cooperate with police who will be present at the site. Chief executive of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency Jitesh Shah explained that the agency’s role in the restoration is focused on assisting with the preparation of civil works to rebuild the foundation.
The restoration project represents a broader commitment by the Herminie administration to invest in cultural heritage infrastructure and ensure that Seychelles’ most iconic public monuments are preserved for future generations. The involvement of Gillett and Johnston, the tower’s original manufacturer, ensures that restoration work will be carried out with full historical accuracy and technical expertise, providing confidence that the finished result will faithfully reflect the monument’s original character.
The Victoria clock tower restoration is a reminder that national identity is expressed not only in policy and governance, but in the physical fabric of the places that define a people’s history.
