VICTORIA, Seychelles (XOL Africa) — Seychelles and India have signed an agreement to begin the first phase of a major affordable housing project that will deliver 1,008 homes, deepening bilateral cooperation while addressing the island nation’s growing housing demand.
The agreement, signed Thursday at the Office of the Vice President, appoints NBCC (India) Limited to oversee the planning, design, procurement and implementation of the first phase of the Île Aurore Housing Development Project.
Secretary of State for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure Joseph François signed on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, while NBCC Executive Director Pradeep Sharma signed for the Indian state-owned construction company.
The project stems from agreements reached during President Patrick Herminie’s state visit to India in February, when the Indian government announced a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles. Of that amount, $75 million has been allocated through the Export-Import Bank of India to finance the affordable housing development and related infrastructure.
Under the agreement, NBCC will provide project management and consultancy services covering the planning and construction of 1,008 affordable housing units, as well as associated roads, utility infrastructure and a new sewage treatment plant to serve Île Aurore and surrounding communities.
The first phase, scheduled for completion by 2029, will feature modern two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments housed in multi-storey residential buildings, marking Seychelles’ first high-rise affordable housing development.
Government officials said the project forms part of the broader Île Aurore Master Plan, a flagship national development initiative that will ultimately include at least 1,800 residential units, together with schools, commercial facilities, recreational areas and other public infrastructure.
The development is intended to expand access to affordable housing while supporting the government’s long-term urban planning and sustainable community development goals.
Officials also described the agreement as another milestone in the longstanding partnership between Seychelles and India, reinforcing cooperation in infrastructure and development while advancing efforts to improve housing opportunities for Seychellois families.
