Twenty families handed over keys to new homes under FCH Scheme

In an endeavour to support and empower vulnerable people to get access to decent dwelling, 20 families under the Social Register of Mauritius (SRM) were handed over keys, today in Port Louis, to their housing units under the Full Concrete Housing Scheme.

The remittance ceremony was held in presence of the Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity, Mr Ashok Kumar Subron; the Junior Minister, Mr Kuvalayan Kugan Parapen; and the Chairman of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF), Mr Hootesh Ramburn.

In his address, Minister Subron highlighted that access to housing, food and clothing constitutes the foundation of a decent living. He pointed out that access to housing has become increasingly difficult in Mauritius due to rising land prices and construction costs, especially for vulnerable families. Government, he underlined, remains committed to prioritising access to decent housing for those in need despite the economic situation.

He further indicated that around 56,000 families are currently on the waiting list of the SRM for decent housing, while nearly 60% of them do not own land and are therefore unable to benefit from the FCH Scheme. In this regard, he referred to the Rent-to-Own Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Land Use Planning as an alternative solution for low-income families facing financial constraints and difficulties in securing loans.

The Minister also announced that the Constitutional Review Commission Bill aiming to examine and make recommendations on the constitutional reforms, including the protection of fundamental rights and the consolidation of democracy and institutions will be soon introduced in the National Assembly. He emphasised that the housing crisis demands constitutional protection for vulnerable citizens while expressing hope that the upcoming Budget will reinforce solidarity measures and help reduce social and economic inequalities.

He alluded to the possibility of extending the eligibility of the threshold for the SRM in view to enable more people to benefit from Government’s support. These initiatives, he said, are all geared towards improving the living conditions of those at the bottom of the society and to empower them in the long term.

As for Junior Minister Parapen, he stressed that affording a house has become a major challenge for people in Mauritius, especially for vulnerable families facing rising living costs and high purchasing power pressures in a rapidly changing economy. He reaffirmed the commitment of the NEF in supporting vulnerable families through initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and promoting empowerment.

He congratulated the families receiving the keys to their new houses adding that access to shelter and decent housing should be a fundamental right for everyone.

Mr Ramburn, for his part, recalled that since 2016, the NEF has constructed around 380 houses under FCH adding that currently, 20 housings are still under construction. He added that the housing units are equipped with rainwater harvesting systems to encourage sustainable water management practices.

The FCH Scheme provides decent housing to vulnerable families through the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity and the NEF. Eligible beneficiaries must be registered under the SRM and own or lease a plot of land. The scheme offers fully concrete housing units of 63 metre squares with a rainwater harvesting system at an estimated cost of up to Rs. 1,600,000. Government subsidises 80% of the cost, while beneficiaries contribute 20%, with repayment facilities of up to 35 years depending on their repayment capacity.

25 May 2026

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Topics: Social Security