The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, this afternoon presided over the official handover of 16 housing units at Vilaz Waterloo, St Louis. The event marks another milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable and decent housing for Seychellois families.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, community representatives, and proud new tenants. The programme featured cultural performances, including a poem recital and a dance presentation by students of La Rosière School, adding a vibrant community spirit to the occasion.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Hon. Sathya Naidu, followed by a statement from the Minister for Lands and Housing, Mr Billy Rangasamy, who underlined the Government’s commitment to improving living conditions across the country. A special blessing of the new homes was also conducted before President Ramkalawan addressed the gathering, reaffirming the centrality of housing to the nation’s social development agenda.
The Waterloo Housing Project, initiated in mid-2023, comprises two blocks of flats, offering a total of 16 residential units—8 two-bedroom apartments and 8 three-bedroom apartments. The development also includes essential site infrastructure such as retaining walls, drainage systems, parking facilities, and sewerage connections. The total value of the project is estimated at SCR 16 million.
In his remarks, President Ramkalawan commended the work of all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the successful completion of the project. He expressed his satisfaction that 16 families now have access to modern and secure housing, highlighting that such initiatives directly improve the quality of life for citizens. He further urged residents to care for their homes nurturing a safe and conducive environment and promoting positive community life for all residents.
Following the President’s address, an official handover ceremony was held during which the new tenants were presented with the keys to their homes. This was followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the tenants, after which a commemorative plaque was unveiled to mark the occasion. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the newly completed housing units, offering guests the opportunity to witness first-hand the standard and quality of the development.
Alongside the Waterloo Project, the Government continues to make significant progress in housing developments across other districts. In Pointe Larue, the Anse Francoise Housing Project - featuring 16 three-bedroom units constructed by Onivo Construction - has already reached a key milestone, with the first handover of 8 units taking place earlier this year. With a total contract value of SCR 27.6 million, this project is similarly equipped with essential site infrastructure and remains on track for full completion.
The President reaffirmed that housing remains a top national priority, with several projects at various stages of implementation across the country. He assured citizens that his administration will continue to work tirelessly to meet the growing demand for affordable housing and to support Seychellois families in securing better living conditions.