New houses allocated to six families in Bel Ombre    By Sunny Esparon   |03 October 2023

A view of the new housing block

Six families have received keys to their new houses in Le Corsaire, Bel Ombre district.

The new block, comprising six two-bedroom units, is the second block to be completed along with the one at Le Domaine Estate in Au Cap.

Yesterday’s ceremony by the Ministry of Lands and Housing in collaboration with the Property Management Corporation (PMC), coincided with World Habitat Day, on October 2, and formed part of activities planned for this year’s habitat week.

The presentation of keys was done by Jefrey Lucas, who was responsible for the project, the district administrator, Tahiri Laurencine and the principal secretary for housing, Jude Florentine.

This was in the presence of the Minister for Lands and Housing, Billy Rangasamy, who in his opening remarks, highlighted the government’s continued commitment towards the country’s housing programme.

Furthermore, he emphasised the significance of World Habitat Day and how it aligned perfectly with the moment when these families were receiving their homes. “While it may only be six families, every bit matters,” said the minister.

He also acknowledged the success of the Housing Savings Scheme, to which the new homeowners had diligently contributed.

He commended their seriousness and responsible approach, stating, “Your dedication and responsibility towards this scheme have finally paid off.”

Minister Rangasamy reiterated the importance of a peaceful and friendly community and urged the new inhabitants to show respect and consideration for those who have already established their homes in the area.

“We need to adapt and live together in tolerance, peace and harmony. These are the values that we want to have in our homes here today.”

He urged the residents to refrain from engaging in negative acts such as vandalism and drug use and to maintain the cleanliness of their homes.

“I encourage you all not to let this problem escalate. The moment it does, I implore you to take control and unite courageously to address these challenges collectively and stand against those causing harm.”

For his part, the elected member of the National Assembly for Bel Ombre, Honourable Sandy Arissol, congratulated the new residents upon receiving their keys and thanked the government for its continued investment towards housing in Seychelles.

He echoed the minister’s call for respect and unity and the need to promote a safe and friendly neighbourhood.

“We hope that in your new houses, you live happily with each other, with your neighbours and with your families. We hope that these housing units here will be ones that will serve as examples to other government housing projects.”

Mr Arissol also highlighted the positive working relationship between Bel Ombre and the Ministry of Lands and Housing, which he said has led to a concerted effort to identify and prioritise individuals who are genuinely in urgent need of housing.

“At Bel Ombre, we have taken steps to refine our list, ensuring that those who are most in need receive the necessary assistance.”

Furthermore, priority will be given to those who are actively contributing towards the housing scheme, instead of those who have been waiting for a long period of time, according to him.

“Contributions are really important for everybody who are listening. It helps to push your application with other criteria that we use to be able to assist you with a house,” he concluded.

Mr Arissol also announced that if everything goes well, a 16-unit project will get under way at the end of the year in ‘Cameroon’, the Beau Vallon petrol station.

New tenant, Minta Gerry, delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of other residents, where she underscored the importance of mutual respect and support among the residents.

The new unit was blessed by Pastor Terrence Payet who is also a resident of Bel Ombre.

The new unit is located on a plot of land where an emergency housing unit previously stood.

Le Corsaire housing project, which started nearly a year ago, has cost around R6.4 million, and was carried out by contractor TCH Proprietary Ltd.

It should be noted that as per housing policy, allocation of the units was prioritised based on the number of points applicants accumulated through the Housing Points system.

The Housing Allocation Committee then finalised the list of successful applicants, in due consideration that the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of units available.

The committee comprises representatives from the Housing department, Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, Local Government, Education, PMC and Agency for Social Protection (ASP).

The district administrator and member of the National Assembly for the district is also part of the housing allocation committee.

Photos by Louis Toussaint