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 — Sixteen families received the keys to their new homes during a handover ceremony on Thursday afternoon at the newly completed ‘Vilaz Waterloo’ in the St Louis district, marking another step in the country’s ongoing social housing programme.
The estate is the latest in a series of housing projects delivered in partnership with international contractors and financed through cooperation agreements. The handover ceremony brought together government officials, members of the National Assembly and the new tenants, several of whom shared emotional accounts of waiting years for a home of their own.
Speaking at the event, the government reiterated its commitment to expanding access to affordable housing for working families, noting that significant investments have continued despite global economic challenges. The St Louis development adds to recent completions in Baie Lazare and other districts as the housing ministry pushes to deliver more units over the next five years.
Tenants were reminded of their responsibility to maintain the new properties, with officials warning that the estates will be closely monitored and that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. The new residents thanked the government and all those involved in making the project possible.
