Twenty-four Seychellois families today received the keys to their new homes at Ocean Pearl Apartments in Ile Perseverance, marking a long-awaited new beginning for families who can now look forward to greater comfort and security. The inauguration of the 24 mid-range condominium units also officially launched Habitat Week, being observed under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.”
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, who was accompanied by First Lady Veronique Herminie, Vice President Sébastien Pillay, Cabinet of Ministers and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel. Also present were Principal Secretaries from various Ministries that contributed to the project, staff of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, and other partners and stakeholders.
The name “Ocean Pearl Apartments”, was chosen by the future homeowners themselves and inspired by the development’s beautiful setting. The 24 three-bedroom units were handed over to families who had been waiting patiently on the housing and landbank lists, many of whom had faced social and economic challenges in their pursuit of homeownership.
Located within the jurisdiction of Perseverance 1 District, the development comprises three residential blocks, each containing eight three-bedroom units, providing a total of 24 mid-range condominium units. The project is the first Government-designed mid-range condominium project to be initiated and the second mid-range condominium project to be allocated, with the cost of the residential units jointly borne by the new homeowners and the Government.
The project is valued at SCR 27,700,620.64, comprising SCR 24,175,081.50 for the construction of the 24 residential units and SCR 3,525,539.14 for external works and supporting infrastructure.
Under the mid-range condominium arrangement, the cost of the residential units is borne by the new homeowners, while the Government covers the cost of the external works and supporting infrastructure. This represents a Government subsidy of approximately 13 percent of the total project cost.
The elected Member of the National Assembly for Perseverance District, Hon. Keneth Athanase, was the first to address the audience. Referring to the slogan “No One Is Left Behind,” he noted that many families are still not living in comfortable conditions, which is why the Government has committed to providing more than 2,000 families with comfortable homes by 2030.
He congratulated the new homeowners on receiving the keys to their homes and encouraged them to maintain good relationships with their neighbours, while taking good care of their homes and the facilities within their surrounding environment.
In his address, President Dr Patrick Herminie highlighted that housing extends beyond the provision of a physical structure, emphasising its importance in providing families with dignity, security and a foundation for the future.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities for Seychellois, stating that
“The responsibility of my government remains simple but firm: to ensure that every Seychellois family has access to housing that is safe, affordable, accessible, resilient and suitable for their needs.” President Herminie said.
The President noted that Seychelles, as a small island nation with limited land and financial resources, must continue to improve its planning, strengthen infrastructure, embrace innovation and make more efficient use of its limited land resources.
He also stressed that housing solutions must respond to the changing needs of the population, with young professionals requiring access to modern and affordable homes, young families needing secure homes in which to raise their children, elderly citizens requiring safe and accessible housing, and vulnerable families needing continued support.
He emphasised that a condominium is not simply about the individual home, but also about the wider community and the shared spaces that belong collectively to the residents. He encouraged the new homeowners to take pride in their homes, care for their community, respect their neighbours and make responsible use of shared facilities, including car parks, gardens, drainage systems and other common areas.
The ceremony also featured song performances by staff of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, adding a celebratory element to the inauguration.
As part of the programme, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Habitat Day 2026 was also read by staff members. In his message, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of adequate housing in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, which calls for inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements.
For one of the new homeowners, Mr Patrick Lepere, the occasion marked the culmination of an 18-year wait. Speaking to State House Press, Mr Lepere said he was happy and emotional to finally receive the keys to his new home, describing the moment as a blessing from God. He reflected on the long wait to achieve homeownership and expressed gratitude that, despite delays linked to the recent conflict in the Middle East, the day had finally arrived.
The completion of the development adds to the range of housing opportunities available to Seychellois families through the Government’s mid-range condominium programme.
The project was contracted to Allied Builders Seychelles, with construction commencing in February 2025 and completed in September 2026.