Mauritius: Eighteen families who are eligible under the Social Register of Mauritius received the keys to the their NHDC housing units. The handover ceremony for the housing units was hosted in Mare D’Albert under the 10% NHDC Scheme.
The event was organized by The National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), operating under the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity. The aim of the programme to support the economically vulnerable families of the country get access to their own homes.
Under this Scheme, NEF beneficiaries acquire the housing unit with full payment from NHDC. These beneficiaries are required to pay only 20% of the total house cost. Furthermore, the repayment of the price of the house is scheduled over a maximum period of 30 years.
The people who are unable to afford houses of their own due to high prices and economic vulnerability, can get the houses with the support of the government. The administration has shared that the event, which was hosted in Port Louis on Thursday was attended by several government officials.
The attendants included:
- Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo
- The Chairman of the NEF, Dr Mohamud Raffick Sorefan
- The Officer-in-Charge of NEF, Trishna Jogessur
The government of Mauritius shared the specifications of the constructed housing units which were handed over to the beneficiaries.
These housing units are constructed up to 60 m2, consist of one-bedroom accommodation on the ground floor. Further, it features a living and dining room, a kitchen equipped with stainless steel sink and tap, and a complete toilet and bathroom setup.
Additionally, indoor staircases provide access to the first floor, which comprises another bedroom, a lobby, and a toilet. The bathroom has also been set up with sanitary wares and fixtures. Further amenities include a covered terrace at the rear and a front balcony.
Minister Jeewa-Daureeawoo delivered the keynote address at the handover ceremony for the keys of the housing unit. She highlighted that the government intends to continue to support the beneficiaries.
She highlighted that the work plan extends beyond mere housing provision. It includes a multifaceted approach aimed at holistic beneficiary empowerment.
This strategy includes financial support, educational assistance through recovery classes. The government has also started training initiatives geared towards fostering independence among beneficiaries.
Minister Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo highlighted that housing support is tailored to individual needs of the people. They offer three main avenues of assistance:
Construction of houses for those possessing land,
Allocation of houses through the NHDC scheme with a 20% repayment obligation,
Provision of renovation assistance for existing homeowners.
The Minister highlighted that they are planning to construct 8,000 houses across the country. The initiative is being supported by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning Minister, Louis Steven Obeegadoo
