Republic of Mauritius- House ownership to be extended to a greater number of households, assures PM

In his speech, Mr Jugnauth expressed firm belief that everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing.  For him, securing a proper shelter for all is a sine qua non condition to overcome extreme poverty.

The Prime Minister emphasised that one of Government’s priorities is to optimise land resources and develop strategies to provide a wide choice of housing types so as to cater for the different and evolving needs of the present and future generations. On this score, he spoke of two major projects namely: the upgrading of the current Land Administration, Valuation and Information Management System for improved access to land information and security in land businesses; and the State Land Register for more effective management of State land.

A new National Land Development Strategy having a 20-year horizon is in the pipeline and will be ready by next year, he announced. This Strategy will include policies and plans to stimulate investments in housing and land use while preserving the natural environment, he added.

In these challenging times, said Mr Jugnauth, Mauritius as a Small Island Developing State will have to undergo a paradigm shift in land use planning and land management with respect to the following: Metro Express project, climatic change, green and ecological buildings, food security, revival of the tourism sector, and aftermath of the Covid-19 disease.

Government, he reiterated, will do its utmost best to provide affordable dwellings to the needy and will vigorously continue to pursue policies in favour of social housing. On this score, the Prime Minister pointed out that he is chairing the Steering Committee on the unprecedented programme for the construction of 12 000 units.  He therefore encouraged citizens to make suggestions pertaining to housing matters including unregulated occupation of State land.

Speaking about the National Forum, the Prime Minister indicated that it is providing a platform where all relevant stakeholders are being given the opportunity to share their experiences and suggestions.  These ideas will help the Government to formulate new strategies in the housing and land use sectors, he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister, for his part, underlined Government’s commitment in ensuring that needy people are given necessary support to facilitate their access to decent housings, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Some Rs 12 billion, stated Mr Obeegadoo, has been earmarked in Budget 2020-2021, under the Covid-19 Projects Development Fund to partly finance the construction of housing units and associated on-site and off-site infrastructural works.

As regards the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that it will be a regular feature for all partners to share ideas on the housing sector.  Thus, stakeholders comprising builders, engineers, property developers, bankers, environmentalists and trade unions, will be able to reflect on achievements and discuss the way forward in a more transparent manner, he said.