Gran Basen Housing Estate, Anse Aux Pins |05 September 2020
A partial view of the Gran Basen Housing Estate (Photo: Jude Morel)
12 families get keys to their new homes
By Vidya Gappy
Twelve families received the keys to their new homes yesterday as another phase of the 24 housing projects in 24 districts reached its completion, this time in the district of Anse Aux Pins. The official handover ceremony took place yesterday afternoon in the presence of President Danny Faure; Minister for Habitat, Lands, Infrastructure and Land Transport Pamela Charlette; Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning Maurice Loustau-Lalanne; principal secretaries; staff of PMC; government officials; and the new homeowners of the Ex-Onezime phase two now named the Gran Basen Housing Estate.
This new project comprises two blocks including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom units.
Ascent project was awarded the contract for the project in June 2018 and started work in August 2018. The project was only completed in August 2020 due to several delays, the main cause of which were adverse weather conditions, which caused flooding of the site resulting to extra work. There were also delays in processing and receiving approval for these extra work.
The shortage of materials and slow progress were other major causes of delay alongside the restriction of movement due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The total cost of the project amounts to around R15.2 million.
A third block is scheduled to be constructed as part of the housing project to make a total of 18 units.
In order to keep social distance, each family was represented by only one member and other measures such as wearing of face masks were also observed.
In her speech, Minister Charlette noted that Anse Aux Pins is a district where government has invested a lot in housing such as Bodamier, Cayole and Ex-Onezime.
“This project today shows our commitment as a government to assist its people in providing houses even if the land was difficult. Before this place was used by many to do their laundry and also as a play area. Today this site has completely been transformed and we are able to assist those in need.”
Minister Charlette explained that the project took two years to be completed due to some constraints.
“We also installed a proper sewage system as well as fixed the road by the river. Providing homes remains the main engagement of President Faure’s government. In order to make these projects successful, we now appeal to the new homeowners to take care of their property and families and to create a harmonious community based on values that would reflect on their beautiful housing estate. Together we have accomplished a lot in the district and I would like to thank all those involved to make this project successful.”
President Faure and Minister Charlette unveiled the commemorative plaque for the occasion before visiting the new apartments.
The families were all ecstatic as they have been waiting for this moment for quite some time.
Following the brief ceremony, the homeowners were able to take a better look at their apartments along with President Faure, Minister Charlette and other officials.
Marie Michele Dodin noted that “after more than 20 years, I am able to get a house here. I have three kids and before I had a very small place. With three bedrooms we feel happier and more at ease.”
Luisianne Freminot lived at Anse Royale before and it’s been 15 years since she is contributing for her own place. “Today having my own house makes me happy. I have three children and my hubby and I cannot describe my joy and gratitude. It is one of the best days of my life.”
Marcus Marie lives with his mum and they were living at Cayole in a one-bedroom flat before. “My mum was paying two houses – one that we were renting and HFC. Today we are very happy to get our own place. Being a youth, I realise that we have to contribute to PMC regularly to be able to benefit from these facilities.”
We met Jacintha Esther who was quite emotional about having her own ‘Chez soi’. “I have been through a lot of struggles before and had to move in an emergency house for four years. I was contributing towards PMC and finally today my five children and I got a three-bedroom apartment. My children also are looking forward to move in our new house. PMC really helped me in finding a place.”
At the end of the ceremony, President Faure took some time to attend to the queries of the inhabitants of the region and also chatted with the children.
Vidya Gappy
