President James Michel attended the launching ceremony of  Habitat Week 2015 where he witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to officially name the Karl Tamatave estate,  a government housing estate at Grand Anse Praslin today.

This year, the Habitat week is being celebrated under the theme "En meyer Labita pour tou; A better Habitat for everyone" in Seychelles.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister for Land Use and Habitat, Mr. Christian Lionnet, Principal Secretary for Project Planning and Implementation, Yves Choppy, Member of the National Assembly for Baie Ste Anne Praslin, Hon. Nathasia Esther, Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Hon. Marc Volcere , District Administrator for Grand Anse Praslin, Mr. Moses Barbe, the family of Karl Tamatave, staff from the MLUH, residents of the estate and other distinguished guests.

In his keynote address, the Minister for Land Use and Habitat, Mr. Christian Lionnet said that by looking at the Karl Tamatave estate, it is obvious that its residents are taking good care of such investments and promoting good values among neighbours which he has described as a 'victory for Seychelles.'

"Karl Tamatave housing estate is a celebration of a great success of sustainable development in our country. It is not a new housing estate, but it is a vibrant community that makes everyone proud. It is an estate where everyone lives in harmony, it is clean and hygienic. This is the kind of housing estate managed by the Property Management Company (PMC) that we wish to see on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue," said the Minister.

He continued, "Habitat week 2015, gives us an opportunity to recognize and remember those that have contributed immensely in the development of our country. In particular, it gives us an opportunity to recognize a man that have dedicated his life for the development of his country, specifically for his small island; Praslin and for his brothers and sisters...Mr. Karl Tamatave  has dedicated his life and career working for the people of Grand Anse Praslin. He was a man much loved and helpful."

After the ceremony, the President toured the new sewerage treatment facilities for the estate, which will also serve other developments in the vicinity in the future.

The government of Seychelles started to develop the estate in September 2004 and altogether it has 48 units of two and three bedrooms.