President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, officiated the inauguration ceremony of "Vilaz Pozitivite" at Pointe Larue, Friday afternoon, marking another significant milestone in the government's commitment to addressing the nation's housing needs.
During the ceremony eight families received the keys to their new three-bedroom apartments, representing the completion of the first phase of the ambitious Anse Francoise Housing Project. The event culminated with President Ramkalawan and Minister for Land and Housing Billy Rangasamy jointly unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark this historic achievement.
The development, valued at SCR 27.6 million and executed by Onivo Construction, encompasses two blocks of residential units complemented by comprehensive site infrastructure including retaining walls, drainage systems, parking facilities, and connections to newly installed sewer lines. The project exemplifies the government's holistic approach to community development, featuring upgraded utilities systems, road networks, and storm water management systems serving the entire village.
Minister for Land and Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy emphasized the project's significance as a testament to government investment in affordable housing nationwide. He outlined that “Vilaz Pozitivite” comprises three main components with 36 residential land bank plots, 16 affordable housing units, and 16 planned mid-range condominium units, with the government allocating close to 50 million rupees to provide housing solutions for 68 deserving families under this comprehensive initiative.
Addressing the ceremony, President Ramkalawan congratulated the new residents while emphasizing community responsibility. He urged families to live harmoniously, serve as agents of peace, and maintain safe neighbourhoods free from anti-social activities. "Keep your community safe from drug-related activities and respect your neighbours through mindful behavior, ensuring children can flourish in a positive environment," the President advised.
The President provided comprehensive statistics on the government's extensive housing portfolio, revealing unprecedented progress across multiple projects nationwide. "As we speak, we have ten ongoing projects spanning from Mahé to Praslin and La Digue," President Ramkalawan announced, detailing current construction of 228 affordable housing units across various locations: Anse Boileau (24 units), Point Larue (8 units completed with 8 more in progress), La Gogue (24 units), Mont Buxton (16 units), Corgate Estate (32 units), Les Mamelles (8 units), Grand Anse Praslin (16 units), La Digue Island (12 units), Perseverance (8 units), and Grand Anse Mahé (80 units).
The President also outlined the mid-range condominium initiative with 94 units under construction, including 32 units at Perseverance through public-private partnership, 32 units at Cascade, and 6 units at Brilliant, bringing the total housing units under construction to 332. Additionally, 96 land bank plots are being developed across Anse Royale (55 plots) and La Retrait (41 plots).
Looking ahead, President Ramkalawan announced upcoming tenders for Les Mamelles (28 units), Perseverance (24 units), and Takamaka (32 units), plus 24 mid-range condominium units, totaling 104 additional units. Combined with the Grand Anse Mahé land bank project, the government anticipates completing 548 housing units by the end of the year.
The inauguration ceremony featured spiritual blessings by Pastor Terence Payet, poetry recitations, and traditional dance performances by students from Pointe Larue Primary School, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Also present for the ceremony was the Principal Minister Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, Minister for Local Development and Community Affairs Mrs. Rose Marie Hoareau, Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs.Patricia Francourt, Principal Secretary for Housing Mr. Jude Florentine, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) Mr. Jitesh Shah, Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue Mr. Conrad Gabriel, District Administrator Mrs. Nadine Ahkon, Staff from MLUH, SIA representatives, Onivo Construction representatives and invited guests.