By 
Infrastructure Upgrades Begin at La Passe Gateway
The Seychelles Land Transport Agency has initiated the procurement process to resurface a damaged concrete road on La Digue. The project focuses on the critical route extending from La Passe toward Bernique Guest House.
A mandatory site information meeting for potential contractors is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at 10:00. This meeting will take place at the La Passe Passenger Terminal; attendance is compulsory, and absent bidders will be disqualified from the evaluation process.
While this marks a significant procurement milestone, the government has not yet released a construction start date, a final contract value, or a schedule for road closures. Once awarded, the project carries a performance period of six months.
Strategic Shift: Curbing Vehicle Growth
The roadworks are part of a broader 2026 policy shift to prevent La Digue from becoming over-motorized. Following the August 2026 La Digue Transport Assessment, the Cabinet has implemented a freeze on new applications for buggies and electric vehicles.
Only previously approved buggies and pick-up vehicles are permitted to enter the island. The government has ordered a scientific carrying-capacity study to determine sustainable limits for vehicles and tourism development to avoid compromising the visitor experience.
To support this transition, the Cabinet has officially designated 58 island roads as public roads. This classification includes:
- 10 primary roads
- 2 secondary roads
- 46 feeder roads
This legal shift allows for stricter road-safety enforcement and improved access for emergency services.
The Impact on Visitor Experience
The focus on the La Passe area is intentional. As the primary arrival gateway for ferries and helicopters, La Passe is the hub for luggage transfers and bicycle circulation.
Tourism accommodation is heavily concentrated in the north-western region around La Passe. Historical data from the Tourism Department indicates a density of 46.21 tourism beds per 100 residents, with a 2019 baseline of 1,316 beds.
By improving road surfaces while limiting the number of motorized vehicles, Seychelles is attempting to resolve a known conflict: the pressure placed on cyclists by expanding motorized traffic.
La Digue Resurfacing Procurement Timeline
| Procurement Element | Verified Position (as of 13 September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Project Scope | Resurfacing damaged concrete road: La Passe to Bernique Guest House |
| Funding Source | Government of Seychelles |
| Implementing Agency | Seychelles Land Transport Agency |
| Mandatory Site Review | 15 September 2026 at 10:00 |
| Meeting Point | Passenger Terminal, La Passe |
| Tender Dossier Deadline | 11 September 2026 at 15:00 |
| Final Bid Deadline | 24 September 2026 at 10:30 |
| Tender Deposit Locations | Victoria and Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin |
| Performance Period | Six months |
Evolution of La Digue Mobility Policy
| Date | Official Development | Tourism Impact |
|---|---|---|
| March 2022 | Transport policy recorded ~5,000 bicycles | Solidifies bicycle-first mobility model |
| Sept 2025 | Visitor Use Management Plan validated | Links mobility to destination capacity |
| May 2026 | Visitor-experience review | Identifies cyclist safety and signage gaps |
| 6 Aug 2026 | Transport Assessment review | Pauses new buggy/EV applications |
| 12 Aug 2026 | 58 roads granted public status | Improves governance and safety framework |
| 8 Sept 2026 | Corrected resurfacing tender published | Transitions from policy to physical works |
| 15 Sept 2026 | Compulsory contractor inspection | Final milestone before tender evaluation |
Key Takeaways
- Infrastructure Priority: The route from La Passe to Bernique Guest House is being resurfaced to improve the primary arrival corridor.
- Vehicle Freeze: No new buggies or electric vehicles are being approved until a scientific carrying-capacity study is completed.
- Legal Framework: 58 roads are now official public roads to enhance safety and emergency access.
- Bicycle Protection: The overarching goal is to maintain the island's bicycle-centric identity against the pressure of motorized growth.
FAQ
When does the roadwork actually start? A start date has not yet been announced. The September 15 meeting is a mandatory procurement step for contractors, not the start of construction.
Can I still rent a buggy on La Digue? Existing approved buggies remain in operation, but the government has paused all new applications for additional buggies and electric vehicles.
Why is the La Passe area being prioritized? La Passe is the main entry point for the island and has the highest concentration of tourism accommodation and visitor traffic.
