Speech
Wavel Ramkalawan  ·  2026-08-07 00:00

A New Journey Begins as 24 Families Receive the Keys to Their New Homes at Villaz Albizia, Anse Boileau

The development, located on what was formerly known as the Ex-Zelia Property, comprised three residential blocks, each containing eight three-bedroom units, for a total of 24 apartments.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over today by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, who was joined by Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet Ministers, the Secretary of State for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Mr Joseph Francois, the Honourable Member of the National Assembly for Anse Boileau, Mr Jean Toussaint, District Administrator Ms Anne Savy, and officials from the Department of Lands and Housing.

The estate represented a total investment ofSCR 40,300,000, comprisingSCR 18,700,000for the construction of the three residential blocks andSCR 21,600,000for external works and supporting infrastructure.

The estate also included a sewerage treatment plant, which will be managed by the installing company during its first year of operation before being handed over to the Property Management Corporation (PMC). In addition, a multipurpose outdoor court was constructed to serve residents and the wider community for recreational and community activities.

In his address, President Dr Patrick Herminie highlighted that housing represented more than just the provision of a home; it represented security, dignity, opportunity, and hope for Seychellois families.

“Today, we are not simply handing over houses; we are opening the door to new beginnings. Each home represents security for a family, opportunity for a child, dignity for parents, and hope for generations to come. It is within a home that values are passed on, ambitions are nurtured, and the foundations of stronger families and stronger communities are built. When we invest in housing, we invest in people; and when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our nation.

This is why we continue to invest in new housing developments across our country. We are planning for the future, expanding opportunities, and working to increase the supply of affordable housing so that more families can benefit.

This commitment was demonstrated just two weeks ago with the signing of a historic agreement with the Government of India for the construction of more than 1,000 affordable housing units, the largest single-phase housing development ever undertaken in Seychelles. This transformative project, together with the developments already underway across our islands, reflects our steadfast determination to address the country’s housing needs and provide more Seychellois families with the opportunity to realise the dream of owning their own home.

I recognise that the demand for housing remains significant, and I know that many families have been waiting patiently. While we cannot meet every need overnight, each project we complete brings us one step closer to fulfilling this commitment. We will continue working with determination until more Seychellois families have the opportunity to experience the joy that we are celebrating here today.”

The President encouraged the families receiving their keys to cherish their homes, take care of their community, support their neighbours, and contribute towards making Villaz Albizia a community founded on respect, unity, and mutual support.

President Dr Patrick Herminie also expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to making the project a reality, particularly the team from the Ministry of Land Use and Housing (MLUH), the contractors, and partners whose dedication, commitment, and efforts supported the successful completion of the project.

Speaking to the audience, the Honourable Member of the National Assembly for Anse Boileau, Mr Jean Toussaint, noted that owning a home remained a dream for the majority, if not all, Seychellois. However, he acknowledged that, given the high number of housing requests, achieving this dream remained a significant challenge for many.

Reflecting on the housing estate, Mr Toussaint said the project, initiated under the former President, Mr Danny Faure, should have been completed much earlier.

“I am saddened to say that it was only in the final year before the election that steps were taken to begin implementing the housing project in our area. If the previous administration had the political will, this estate would have already been established. Unfortunately, their focus was directed towards a minority of people,” said Mr Toussaint.

He reminded the new residents that the estate was now their village and their home, encouraging them to live together in harmony, tranquillity, and peace. He urged them to build a strong community that could serve as an example, not only for Anse Boileau and Anse Louis, but for Seychelles as a whole.

Speaking to State House Press, one of the new homeowners, Ms Doris Leon, described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for her family.

“Now I can build a better and more stable life for myself, my children and my partner. I am excited to finally begin our life together as a family. I am so emotional and happy to have been blessed with a home after waiting for so long. To everyone who is still waiting, do not lose hope. Be patient and remain committed. If we honour our commitments to PMC and the Government, nothing will be impossible with God’s grace,” she said.

The ceremony also featured a poem by Dedray Leon of Anse Boileau Secondary School, a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Doris Leon, and a blessing by Father Pierre Madiela, Parish Priest of the district.

The project was contracted to Furui Construction, with construction commencing in March 2024 and completed in June 2026.