16 families allocated new housing units at ’Vilaz Basen’, Union Vale |23 June 2023

Sixteen families have been allocated with a three-bedroom unit in ‘Vilaz Basen’, Union Vale, during a ceremony that took place yesterday afternoon.

President Wavel Ramkalawan and the Minister for Lands and Housing, Billy Rangasamy also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the housing project.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Vice-President Ahmed Afif and other ministers, members of the National Assembly, other government officials and representatives of the Property Management Company.

This is the first phase of the ‘Vilaz Basen’ housing project with includes 24 housing units. The first batch including eight two-bedroom units had already been completed and were allocated to tenants in 2021.

The R30 million project has been implemented by Fabsco Construction and it includes the infrastructure, road, wall and parking space. It is located behind the ‘Chateau Vallon’ condominium project in the sub-district of English River.

When addressing the new tenants, Minister Rangasamy congratulated them for being the successful group out of over 130 applicants on the English River list and to stay in an area where they enjoy a beautiful view.

The ministry said the allocation of units was prioritised by the number of points applicants had accumulated through the Housing Point System.

The minister urged them to ensure the village becomes an example and to appreciate the huge investment made by government.

“Please pay the Property Management Company, take care of your neighbourhood, remain united and promote love,” said the minister.

He said ‘Vilaz Basen’ is a continuation of a project to give the former ‘Chateau Vallon’ a facelift, which started with the condominium project and he was pleased to welcome the tenants on what he described as “an extraordinary site with a lot of history”.

“Today we are witnessing the transformation through the first phase of affordable housing. The ministry has developed a comprehensive plan to redevelop the site and ensure it functions like a small exclusive community,” stated the minister.

He added this will include the second and third phases of affordable housing, a recreational area for young people and turn the small space next to a pond into a recreational area for the community in general.

“We want to transform that spot next to the pond and turn it into a lively place, so it can become a source of inspiration and entertainment for the village. The president has even alerted me there are different species of fish in the pond, which could be interesting for visitors,” he further added.

‘Vilaz Basen’ started in 2017 and the Ministry of Lands and Housing said the second phase, which will start in 2024, will see the construction of an additional 16 three-bedroom units, adjacent to the first phase, while the third and final phase will include another 16 three-bedroom units, making a total of 32 housing units. The entire project will cost R60 million.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the ceremony.

Patsy Canaya

Photos: State House