Twenty four Seychellois families are beginning a new chapter as homeowners following the official opening of the Vilaz Merl Housing Estate at La Gogue, Anse Etoile, by President Dr Patrick Herminie.

Addressing the new homeowners in the presence of the First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet Ministers, elected member of the National Assembly for Anse Etoile, Mr Georges Romain, government officials within the Lands and Housing Department, President Herminie said the occasion represented far more than the handing over of keys, describing a home as a place where families can build their future, raise their children and find security and comfort.

"Venn-kat nouvo lakaz. Venn-kat nouvo komansman. E, apartir ozordi, en nouvo kominote," the President said, congratulating the 24 families and encouraging them to transform their new houses into homes filled with lasting memories.

The President noted that the site on which Vilaz Merl now stands was once a wooded area rich in vegetation and frequented by several species of birds, particularly the Seychelles Bulbul, locally known as the "Pti Merl des Zil", from which the new estate derives its name.

President Herminie acknowledged that many Seychellois families are still awaiting similar opportunities, stressing that housing developments such as Vilaz Merl remain important in responding to the needs and aspirations of the population.

"For me, development is about improving the lives of the people. It is not just about construction. It is about creating better places to live and giving people the opportunity to lead better lives," the President said.

He expressed his appreciation to all those involved in bringing the development to fruition, including the teams responsible for housing, the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency, contractors, technicians, planners and the Anse Etoile District Authority. He also thanked residents of the surrounding community for their patience throughout the construction period and for welcoming the new development.

The Vilaz Merl development comprises three residential blocks containing 24 units. Sixteen are three bedroom units spread across two blocks, while the remaining eight are two bedroom units contained within a third block. The housing estate is also equipped with a playground, providing a recreational space for children and families to share.

The project is valued at SCR 23.2 million, comprising SCR 16.2 million for the construction of the residential blocks and SCR 7 million for external works and supporting infrastructure.

The development will also have its own localised sewage treatment plant, which is being procured and installed by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC). Following delays in procurement, PUC has put in place a temporary sewerage solution pending the installation and commissioning of the permanent treatment plant.

Construction of the project, undertaken by Turnkey Solutions, commenced in October 2023 and was completed in August 2026.

Also addressing the gathering, the elected Member of the National Assembly for Anse Etoile, Honourable Georges Romain, welcomed the completion of the development as an important addition to the district. He highlighted the significance of providing families with secure and suitable homes, while welcoming the 24 new households into the wider Anse Etoile community.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Ms Salima Adeline expressed appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries to all those who contributed towards making the housing development a reality. She reflected on the significance of finally receiving a home after the families' period of anticipation and thanked the authorities and project partners for their contribution towards providing them with a new beginning.

President Herminie encouraged the new homeowners to care for their properties while building a close knit community in which neighbours support one another and children can grow up with a strong sense of belonging.

The ceremony culminated with President Herminie officially declaring the Vilaz Merl Housing Estate open, marking the beginning of a new journey for its 24 families.