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A few days after it was announced by President Dr. Patrick Herminie that his government plans to reclaim new land for development, the agreement for the first phase of the Île Aurore dredging project was officially signed during a ceremony at State House this morning, in the presence of the President and Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay. The project marks a significant step in creating new land for housing, infrastructure, and small business development, reflecting the administration’s commitment to sustainable national growth.

Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay, in his opening remarks, described the signing as a “historic footstep” for the Government, noting that in less than 100 days, the administration had successfully concluded the agreement with Jan de Nul Dredging Ltd.

“This project is a clear signal of our resolve to deliver on promises made to the Seychellois people,” he said.

The first phase of the project, expected to commence by the end of March 2026 and be completed by year-end, will create over 570,000 square meters of new land on Île Aurore. This new land will provide essential plots for housing, support infrastructure development, and enable small business growth.

The initiative directly reflects the President’s vision, as outlined in his recent State of the Nation Address, to deliver at least 150 plots of land within the first quarter of the Government’s mandate, helping to reduce the country’s housing deficit.

The initial phase focuses on essential dredging works to prepare the island for future development, while subsequent phases will address broader development projects in line with the Government’s long-term strategic vision for sustainable land use.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Denis Barbe, Principal Secretary of the Lands Department, on behalf of the Government, and representatives from Jan de Nul Dredging Ltd., with delegations from relevant Ministries in attendance.

Funding for this phase is secured, ensuring that work can begin without delay.