The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, and Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr Han Zheng, today broke ground on a new 72 housing units project at Beolière, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to deliver 2,500 homes by 2028. This reinforces the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Seychellois families and strengthening the enduring partnership between Seychelles and China.
The high-level ceremony which formally launched construction under the China Aid Programme, was attended by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Cabinet Ministers and Members of the National Assembly.
The Beolière project forms part of a broader Seychelles–China cooperation framework that will deliver a total of 141 units, including an additional 69 units at Cap Bonm Zan in Anse Royale representing a meaningful boost to the country’s housing stock and continued progress towards addressing national housing demand.
Designed as a modern residential community, the development will include essential infrastructure such as wastewater systems, green spaces and recreational areas, aiming to provide not just housing, but dignified sustainable and community-oriented living environments.
Speaking to the media, Vice-President Pillay, who oversees the lands and housing portfolio, reaffirmed that expanding access to affordable housing remains a central government priority, noting that the project reflects tangible progress in improving living conditions and delivering real outcomes for Seychellois families.
Vice-President Zheng’s presence testifies the strength of bilateral ties and the strategic role of Chinese support in national development. The partnership has consistently delivered high-impact infrastructure and social projects across Seychelles, reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect, shared priorities and long-term cooperation.
Arriving from Kenya on the final leg of his official Africa tour, Vice-President Zheng’s visit aims to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet President Herminie at State House tomorrow, Sunday, 29 March, and to tour key historic and cultural sites, and as well as Chinese-funded projects including the SBC House.
The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and China, highlighting a longstanding partnership and renewed momentum to future cooperation in areas that directly support national development and improve the lives of Seychellois citizens.
VICTORIA, Seychelles — It is now official: the government of China will fund the construction of 136 affordable housing units in Seychelles, including 72 units at Kap Bonm Zan in Anse Royale and 64 units at Beolière in Port Glaud. The housing component of the agreement was signed yesterday by Mr Lyu Liangzhong, the Chinese ambassador to Seychelles, and the principal secretary for housing Jude Florentine.
The signing ceremony marks a significant step forward in the long-standing cooperation between Seychelles and China in the area of social housing. Officials said the new units are expected to ease the demand for affordable housing in the country and to provide modern, well-located homes for Seychellois families on the housing waiting list.
Both governments expressed their commitment to seeing the project through to completion, and noted that the new units will be built to high standards, in line with the country’s housing policy. The agreement is part of a wider cooperation package that has been developed over several years between the two countries, and is expected to deliver tangible benefits to the local population in the medium term.
