The 121-year-old Victoria Clock Tower in the town of Victoria, Seychelles is set for a complete refurbishment. It was erected in memory of Queen Victoria in April 1903.
According to Seychelles News Agency (SNA), the clock tower has never undergone major works but this is about to change as the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA) has contracted Gillett Johnston, the British clockmaker and bell foundry based in Croydon, England, which manufactured the clock tower in the early 1900s, to expertly restore the clock and chiming mechanism.
According to Cecile Kalebi , Permanent Secretary for Culture at SNICHA, restoration of the entire clock tower, its structure and mechanism is crucial to preserve the Seychelles historical and cultural heritage.
With technical expertise, materials and support from an international consultant, this project is aiming to ensure the lorloz (clock tower in Creole) continues to stand as a proud symbol of history and legacy, Kalebi said.
An expert from Gillett Johnston, Gerald Coombes-Winyard , visited the country for a complete assessment of the clock tower and evaluation of the work to be done. He said the clock is in very good condition for its age.
