The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo, proceeded, yesterday, with the laying of foundation stone of a new multi-purpose hall for residents of Résidences La Colombe and Jasmin in Atlee, Curepipe. This initiative responds to a crucial need identified by the National Housing Development Company Ltd (NHDC) to enrich community life and provide multi-purpose spaces for residents.
In his address, Mr Obeegadoo lauded this project which has been concretised with the collaboration of the Government and the NHDC and which has met the expectations of inhabitants of the region. He added that the project also comprises a health track.
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that according to a survey commissioned by the NHDC in 2022, the construction of multi-purpose halls was established as a priority for NHDC housing, responding to a specific demand for spaces supporting sustainable community living activities, cultural and social events, and educational gatherings. Since a long time, NHDC housing units were not equipped with such spaces, highlighting a lack of community infrastructures adapted to residents’ needs, he said.
Speaking about the 267,44 m² multi-purpose hall in Atlee, he highlighted that it comprises a 122,56 m² main area that can accommodate up to 150 people standing or 100 seated. It is equipped with modern amenities, including a kitchen, two disabled-accessible toilets, ramps with handrails, and parking for 32 vehicles. Scheduled to open in September 2024, the new building will serve not only the residents of Résidences Les Jasmins and La Colombe, but also the entire neighbourhood, strengthening the social fabric and facilitating the organisation of various events, he added.
As regards future projects in the region, Mr Obeegadoo underlined that several sports and infrastructural projects are in the pipeline, namely the construction of a mini soccer pitch at Cité St Luc, drains from NHDC in Cité Atlee till Camp Bombaye, restructuring of a 50-year-old club, and provision of land for the construction of a chapel. He also dwelt on the construction of housing units in the region, at La Brasserie and Camp Le Juge and underlined that 400 houses of the New Social Living Development are under construction at Malherbes and are expected to be delivered in September this year. Other housing projects, he added, comprise the construction of housing units in Wootun and Midlands.
Also present on the occasion, the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Soobeersingh Dhunoo, said the Government, through the various infrastructural projects, is modernising the country. He reflected on the difficult times that the country had to face during COVID-19 while commending Government’s efforts to limit the human and economic impact of the pandemic. He furthermore dwelt on the various developments being undertaken in Curepipe such as resurfacing of roads, drains, construction of houses and sports infrastructure.
About NHDC Ltd
Founded in March 1991, the NHDC aims to provide affordable, quality housing to low and middle-income households. As a key player in the social housing sector in Mauritius, the NHDC is committed to improving the quality of life of its beneficiaries through the construction of well-equipped residential complexes, including modern infrastructure and community spaces. To date, 17,069 units have been developed.
