On the afternoon of Wednesday 9th October 2024, select representatives from Indian Ocean Tuna Limited (IOT), met with the Food Security and Sustainable Development Committee (FSSD) to follow up on the growing concerns about the pungent odour coming from the factory and affecting businesses and the public in the central Victoria region. The delegation was comprised of General Manager for IOT Seychelles Ms. Jamikara Techasaraloole, Safety, Health, and Environment Officer Mr. Mark Benoiton, and Board Member Ms. Astride Tamatave.
Leading the meeting was FSSD Vice-Chairperson Hon. Waven William, accompanied by Hon. Clifford Andre, Hon. Francois Adelaide, Hon. Norbert Loizeau, Hon. Regina Esparon, and Hon. John Hoareau. Members representing the Central Victoria region included Hon. Sathya Naidu, Hon. Gervais Henrie, Hon. Michel Roucou, Hon. Andy Labonte, Hon. Desheila Bastienne, and Hon. Georges Romain. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Mrs. Gillian Samson and Assistant Committee Secretary Ms. Cosette Songoire.
The meeting began with a lengthy presentation from the General Manager Ms. Techasaraloole, who discussed several improvements in the fishmeal facility and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) to reduce the strength of the odours around the region. Ms. Techasaraloole described the current investment path through both the first and second phases, as well as several other upgrades to their infrastructure and hardware such as the dryer, oil separators, Hammermill, amongst others.
One important enhancement emphasised by the delegation was the intention of IOT to implement a deodoriser system and wet scrubbing machine in the factory, which is intended to reduce the odour. It was also noted that there are existing issues with the transportation of waste from the factory to the landfill, particularly the hours in which they operate. Due to this, the foul odour in the surrounding region is at its peak during general working hours.
At the end of the discussion, Hon. William thanked IOT for their in-depth explanations, with both parties agreeing to a follow-up site visit to the IOT factory.
