VICTORIA, Seychelles, Following the December 7 explosion at Civil Construction Company Limited in Petit Paris, Cascade, last year, the Agency for Social Protection has provided financial help to 842 families, offering each one a sum of R25,000. The agency confirmed that the disbursements are part of a wider recovery package designed to support households whose lives were disrupted by the blast. The total payout now stands at just over R21 million.
Repair works on 175 of the 177 houses managed by the Property Management Corporation have been completed, with the remaining two expected to be finished in the coming weeks. At the same time, authorities have begun addressing 193 out of 354 privately-owned houses and properties that were damaged in the blast. The PMC, which manages government-owned housing stock, has been leading the effort to restore public properties in the area.
For private properties, the assessment and repair process is more complex, as each home has different levels of damage and different ownership situations. A dedicated unit has been set up to coordinate the response for private property owners, including processing claims, organising contractors, and ensuring that works meet building standards. The government has committed to ensuring that no affected family is left without support during the recovery process.
The Agency for Social Protection has worked closely with other government departments, including the Department of Community Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Seychelles Police, to ensure that the needs of affected families are met holistically. Beyond the financial assistance, the agency has also provided counselling services, temporary accommodation where needed, and help with accessing other government support programmes. The response has been coordinated through a central command structure to avoid duplication and gaps.
Officials have noted that the recovery from the December 7 explosion is expected to continue throughout 2024, with full restoration of all affected properties anticipated by the end of the year. The government has allocated additional funds in the 2024 budget to support the ongoing work. The blast, which occurred at an industrial site, has prompted a broader review of safety standards at such facilities across the country.
