The Project On The Benitier Island

There are people with different opinions who argue that the construction of the Benitiers Island Resort and Spa will threaten the biodiversity and about several hundreds of people will loss jobs. On the other hand, there are those who claim that everything would be done in the public interest, but also and especially for the benefit of the environment.

The proposed construction of a six-star hotel is more controversial than ever and is subject to numerous disputes. There is a group of social workers specially organized for the purpose to environmentally protect the surrounding islands, but having their representative who fight in favor of the boaters, fishermen, environmentalists and the Village Council of La Gaulette. The social representative joined the protestors to voice for the intervention of Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment.

According to the representative of those social workers, the project will threaten the jobs of 2,000 boaters and fishermen and damage to the environment of the island. He reminds that the first hotel project on the Benitier Island dated in the year 2002, was engineered by the company Nubheebucus Ltd. (SNCL) and who were in joint partnership with Food and Allied Industries Ltd.

The Platform of the social workers was then mobilized for the abandon the project. Their engagement had resulted in the government's refusal to move forward with this project. However, the social representative said that they would react again in 2007, if completion was scheduled for 2008. Later again, the social platform rose again, organizing public manifestations to show their disapproval to the development of Benitier Island. But the Director of SNCL company, says the project is in the public interest, but also and especially for the benefit of environment.

She said the lease stipulates that members of the public have no right to access to the island, but nevertheless their presence is welcome. Thus, when the hotel will be built, five acres will be reserved for the public with toilets and other facilities available to them.

Another area will be reserved for hotel guests. Moreover she added that the boaters of Black River Village caused serious harm to the environment of the island, the site had become a real dump. They often light bonfires on the island, which is totally forbidden by law. Their public toilets were left in a state not really accessible, the inhabitants of the village have the uneducated habits to excrete and urinate wherever and in anyway they want. The guards are placed on the island to prevent people coming to create disorder, but they were intimidated.

The Director of SNCL Company also argued that the interest of the social representative in this case would not be for the benefit of environmental, but for the financial benefit of his own group.

She said that the boaters and others who exploit the island without permission have enriched with large profits. According to the law, only the beach is legally accessible to the public, but they go deeper into the sea until the reach on island to do their business.

The Benitier Island Resort and Spa will include 145 rooms and an ecological park. It is expected that they will be able to receive a clientele of environmental lovers.

Only 6% of the area of the Island, which covers 65.4 acres will be devoted to the construction of the hotel. According to the Director the aim of the design is for an eco-tourism.

Biologists, therefore, have established a plan for the preservation of endemic plants. And the Director declares that all studies have shown that the island can house a hotel without harming the ecosystem.

In addition, the project will develop the region of Black River Village. This could create jobs directly and indirectly. The government should take the example of Seychelles Islands to build more accommodation facilities to develop ecological tourism.