Essential services prioritised for 41 regularised families at Coteau Raffin

A site visit aimed at assessing the living conditions of families whose land status has recently been regularised was conducted by the Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, at Coteau Raffin, La Gaulette.

He was accompanied by officials from his Ministry, as well as the President of the District Council of Black River, Mr Khemraj Ortoo, and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, and the Land Drainage Authority (LDA).

During the visit, the Minister observed that 41 regularised families are still living without access to essential utilities, including running water and electricity. Describing the situation as unacceptable, Minister Mohamed called for urgent coordination among the Central Water Authority, Central Electricity Board, LDA and the District Council to fast-track the provision of these services.

Additionally, Mr Mohamed addressed the situation of 20 other homes awaiting regularisation, assuring residents that Ministry surveyors have identified the occupants to initiate the necessary legal procedures.

The Minister reiterated that a key mission of his Ministry is to support families living irregularly on State land in conditions of poverty and enable them to regain their full dignity. This undertaking requires thorough field assessments and close coordination among the relevant agencies, he said.

The ultimate objective, the Minister emphasised, is to ensure that these citizens have access to a legal and decent living environment that restores human dignity, enables parents to access employment opportunities and allows children to attend school.

During the visit, Minister Mohamed also drew attention to several illegal structures recently erected on a nearby portion of land proclaimed as a public beach. He stated that such constructions are strictly unlawful and that no encroachment would be tolerated, adding that the matter would be referred immediately to the Beach Authority.

The Ministry of Housing and Lands remains committed to identifying the difficulties faced by families living in squatter settlements and providing them with just and humane housing solutions, he further stated.

06 October 2026

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Topics: Housing