07 October 2026 | Housing.
Today, as we commemorate World Habitat Day 2026, we are reminded of this fundamental truth:
- that housing is more than four walls and a roof. It is dignity. It is security. It is family,
- It is the foundation upon to build the future.
The international theme chosen by United Nations “Adequate Housing for All” has a particular meaning for us in Seychelles.
A meaning of pride and a reason for us to celebrate our country’s achievements where adequate housing is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a realistic opportunity for every Seychellois family.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are a small island nation, with limited land, little financial resource and a steady but growing population.
This means, we should constantly be improving our planning, strengthening our infrastructure, embracing innovation and making more efficient use of our limited land resources.
Our approach to housing despite successful, must evolve with the changing needs of our population. We cannot continue to plan for tomorrow with yesterday’s solutions. This is where innovation solutions come in.
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.
So, we must continuously remind ourselves that:
* Not every family faces the same circumstances.
* Our young professionals need opportunities to access modern and affordable homes.
* Our young families need homes where they can raise their children with security and dignity.
* Our elderly citizens deserve homes that are safe, accessible and appropriate for their stage of life.
* And vulnerable families who cannot overcome their housing challenges alone must not be left behind.
The policies and housing solutions of my administration will always remain inclusive.
A reason to celebrate
Today, as we join the world in reflecting on how to make “Adequate Housing for All” achievable, one of the clearest indicators of the success of our government is the level of home ownership achieved in our country.
According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, over 75 % of houses in Seychelles are owned by the occupants. Of these, almost 60% have been fully paid for, while around 15 % are still being paid off.
Seychelles' home-ownership story did not happen overnight. It is the result of successive housing policies and the determination of Seychellois families to build a better future.
These figures reflect decades of investment by Seychellois families themselves, supported by sound Socialist policies of land allocations, housing finance mechanisms and our rigorous housing programmes.
This home ownership figure tells an important national story. It tells us that Seychelles is not simply a nation where its people have access to housing; but, it is a nation where a large majority of the families have been able to achieve the dream of owning their own home.
The future-the challenge
However, celebrating over 75 % ownership rate does not mean that Seychelles has completed its housing journey. There are still over 3,000 families waiting for housing assistance, another 400 families seeking residential land and over 600 households whose existing homes require substantial repairs or improvements.
Our housing challenge has therefore shifted to twofold solutions:
This 75 % ownership figure should be seen not as the end of the journey, but as a foundation upon which Seychelles can build.
The Ocean Pearl Apartments
There is another reason why we are here today. We are marking another milestone in the delivery of our ambitious housing programme.
Today we will officially inaugurate these 3 blocks of apartments officially known as the Ocean Pearl Apartments. A name given by its future owners themselves, derived from this beautiful setting.
This is a new chapter in the way we create new land, use our limited land to create new homes, and provide opportunities for Seychellois families and professionals to become homeowners.
Each of the 24 units of 3 bedrooms, will be handed over to well-deserved families who have been waiting patiently on the housing and landbank lists. Many of them, in their pursuit of homeownership have faced social and economic challenges. And my Administration is remaining firm, on its unequivocal commitment to cut the waiting time, by providing more housing opportunities in this 5-year mandate.
Message to the new residents of Ocean Pearl
To the new residents receiving your homes today. This moment belongs to you. You have worked, saved, planned and committed yourselves to achieving home ownership.
You are professionals contributing every day to the development of our country, be it in the public service, private businesses, or across many other sectors. Your collective contribution of over SR23 M towards this project have mattered.
However, let me also remind you that ownership comes with responsibility.
- The name condominium is not the house, but the community and all the neighbours that form part of, Including the shared spaces, car parks, gardens, drainage systems and other facilities belong to you collectively. You must all respect them and use them well.
- Take pride in your home. Take care of your community. Respect your neighbours.
To all those who have made this project possible, thank you for your commitment and hard work.
To our new homeowners, congratulations once again.
May you find happiness, prosperity and peace in your new homes, and may this development stand for many years as a symbol of what we can achieve when we combine vision, innovation, responsible land use and a commitment to our people.
Thank you.
God bless you.
