President Danny Faure hosted a ceremony at State House this morning, where he announced the latest updates in the housing sector.
The President has consistently underlined the importance of the housing sector, linking social challenges in Seychelles to housing issues. In his speech this morning, the President went over the progress made in the critical sector, explaining how his administration has increased the number of houses constructed, as per his commitment of 24 housing projects in 24 districts in 24 months (24-24-24). He also explained how the policies and structures that have been instituted reflect transparency, accountability and good governance, to ensure that there is efficiency and fairness in the distribution of homes.
“Last week, Government approved a number of policies that will benefit the housing sector. These include a policy on Condominiums, a policy on the Self-Financing Scheme, a policy on Governmental assistance in construction on private land, a policy on temporary housing, and a policy on rent assistance. All of the District Administrators will have a copy of these policies to ensure citizens are well-informed,” said the President.
President Faure also updated those present on the status of the 24-24-24 housing project. He explained how 3 projects have been completed, and that instead of building 72 units in these districts, Government has in fact built 102 units. 353 units are currently under construction in 15 districts, and work will start in the remaining 7 disricts as soon as the necessary relocation of citizens and land acquisition negotiations are complete.
“Despite these delays, we expect our ambitious plan to build 576 units in total before the end of 2019, to be successful. In fact, instead of constructing 576 houses, the Government will deliver 605 units – above its target,” announced the President.
President Faure also announced that a sum of SCR20 million is being proposed in the upcoming Budget to continue addressing the housing challenge, and support cases as identified by the Office for Poverty Alleviation. He thanked bilateral partners such as India, China, UAE, and Qatar for their support in the housing sector. He shared that the Chinese grant of SCR 102 million will go directly toward housing. Following his State Visit to India, the President also explained that the Indian Government has also pledged a combination of grants and concessional loans for the housing sector. Further details will be provided by the Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning in the Budget Address for 2019.
“Today, on 17 October 2018, it gives me great pleasure to announce that through a new financing structure supported by the Government of India, we will construct 3000 houses in the next 6 years. I would like to sincerely thank the Indian Government for their commitment to helping Seychelles,” said the President.
He ended by thanking citizens for their patience with the housing situation, particularly the 3490 families who contribute regularly to the Home Savings Scheme.
“With this announcement, I hope it gives our citizens hope that it is possible to own your own home, and that my administration will continue to work even harder to turn your dreams into a reality,” said the President.
He ended by thanking the staff at District Administrations, the Ministry of Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport and the Property Management Company for their dedication and hard work.
The ceremony also included an address by the Minister for of Habitat, Lands, Infrastructure and Land Transport, Mrs Pamela Charlette and a presentation on the status of different housing developments in the country.
Also present this morning was Vice-President Vincent Meriton, Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, Ministers, Secretaries of State, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles Dr Ausaf Sayeed, First Secretary Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Mr Abdulla Alketbi, Principal Secretaries, CEOs, and the staff of MHLIT and PMC.