SNP Leader pleads for residents near BSA power station

SNP Leader Wavel Ramkalawan has appealed to the Public Utilities Corporation to suspend electricity charges for residents in the vicinity of the power station at Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin, as a gesture of compensation for the damage and inconvenience caused to them by the proximity of the station.

In a letter to PUC executive chairman Bernard de La Boudiniere, Mr. Ramkalawan has pleaded the case for consideration for the residents over a situation that they have endured helplessly for a long time. It is one of the actions he has taken on their behalf after several visits to Praslin over recent weeks, which has included all the homes in the area as well as other parts of Baie Ste. Anne.

Earlier this year, Mr. Ramkalawan brought a motion to the Assembly in which he made public the extend of the damage and hardship to people living next to the power station, which is right in the middle of the main Baie Ste. Anne village. The vibration, noise and smoke have exacted a heavy toll. Houses are cracked and there are numerous cases of health problems for which people have had to go to Mahé or overseas for treatment. The noise and vibration continues to be a heavy hardship, especially in depriving people of sleep.

Mr. Ramkalawan’s motion, which was supported by all members of the Assembly, asked for the station to be relocated and for residents to be paid some compensation for the damages. His letter to the PUC head argues that the suspension of charges would only be a small gesture of compassion for the situation which the residents have endured for two decades.