Eight families at Pointe Larue are now homeowners following the opening of the second phase of the Vilaz Pozitivite affordable housing project at Anse Francois on Friday, as the government advances President Dr Patrick Herminie’s commitment to expand access to affordable housing and accelerate housing delivery across the country.
The President joined the eight beneficiary families for the official opening and allocation of the second phase of the affordable housing project, alongside Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, the Secretary of State for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Mr Joseph Francois, Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue, Hon. Conrad Gabriel, district administrators and senior officials from the lands and housing department.
The development comprises one residential block containing eight three-bedroom units and represents the second phase of the Vilaz Pozitivite project. The first phase was completed and allocated in September 2025.
Addressing those present, Vice-President Pillay, who also oversees the Lands and Housing portfolio, said the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to increase access to affordable housing while ensuring that lessons from previous developments are translated into improved standards for new projects.
He noted that following concerns raised by residents of Phase One, several issues had been identified, including bathroom fittings, tiling, drainage, exposed utility cables, fencing and rainwater entering some homes.
The Vice-President said some of the issues have since been resolved, while the remaining works are being addressed by the contractor. Improvements were also incorporated into Phase Two, with the aim of ensuring that similar shortcomings are avoided in future housing developments.
The second phase is valued at SCR 14.1 million, of which SCR 6.75 million represented the construction cost of the residential block, while SCR 7.35 million was invested in external works and supporting infrastructure. These include site preparation, retaining walls, drainage, parking facilities and sewerage connections.
Vice-President Pillay emphasised that the beneficiaries will not bear the cost of the supporting infrastructure. The government will also provide a considerable subsidy towards the units themselves to make the homes more affordable, with the subsidy also extended to beneficiaries of Phase One.
The project was undertaken by O-Nivo Construction, with construction commencing in August 2023 and reaching completion in July 2026.
Looking beyond the eight units, the Vice-President outlined further housing developments planned for Pointe Larue and neighbouring communities. These include a proposed 28-unit Mid-Range Condominium project near the Airtel facility, targeting young professionals from Pointe Larue and Anse Aux Pins, which the government intends to start before the end of this year.
Discussions are also under way for a further 30-unit Mid-Range Condominium development above Anonyme View Estate, which is being considered for commencement during the first half of next year. Work is also continuing on the redevelopment of Nageon Estate, which includes seven houses due for completion this year.
At the national level, Vice-President Pillay said more than 430 housing units are currently under construction for people on the housing waiting list. This figure excludes Mid-Range Condominium developments and housing redevelopment projects.
Among the developments highlighted are projects at Anse Etoile, Corgate Estate, Mont Buxton, Caryole at Anse Aux Pins, Le Domaine at Au Cap, Perseverance, Grand Anse Praslin, La Digue, Barbarons, Beoliere and Anse Royale.
The Vice-President congratulated the eight families and thanked them for their patience while awaiting completion of their homes. Reflecting on the name Vilaz Pozitivite, he encouraged the residents to embrace a positive approach not only within their own households, but also in their relationships with their neighbours and the wider community.
Hon. Conrad Gabriel described the occasion as more than the opening of another housing development, saying it represented “a new chapter in the lives of the people who will live here.”
He encouraged the beneficiaries to care for their new surroundings and build a community founded on respect, love, unity and cooperation.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Petra Laporte expressed appreciation to all those who contributed towards the realisation of the project and shared the joy of the eight families as they received their new homes.
The completion of Phase II of Vilaz Pozitivite adds another eight homes to the country’s housing stock, while continued investment in new developments and supporting infrastructure forms part of the government’s wider drive to respond to housing demand and expand access to affordable homes across Seychelles.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
