Eight eligible families under the Full Concrete Housing (FCH) Unit Scheme, seven from the region of Flacq and one from the region of RiviAre du Rempart, respectively, received yesterday, keys of their housing unit, during a ceremony at the Pont Lardier Community Centre in Bel Air RiviAre SAche. Both the Minister of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment, Mr Alain Wong and the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr. Dharmendar Sesungkur, as well as other eminent personalities were present on the occasion.
The FCH project is a joint collaboration of the National Empowerment Foundation (NEF) and the Ministry of Social Integration and Economic Empowerment. The Housing units range from 40 m� to 50m�, with the possibility of extension.
In his address, Minister Wong reiterated Government’s determination to usher the country in a new social paradigm, wherein the poor and vulnerable people are provided with the necessary assistance to uplift their living conditions and empower them. He underlined that the FCH is one of the various measures to attain Government’s objectives of eradicating poverty and improving the quality of life of the vulnerable, which are in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He emphasised that owning a house represents a new start in life of the families who will now live in decent conditions and in dignity. On that note, he pointed out that the housing units are equipped with all the necessary facilities, amenities, safety, security and a harmonious environment where beneficiaries can live an active and healthy life in better conditions. He also announced that the NEF is coming up with the project of Prefab housing units that cost relatively less than concrete ones.
Minister Wong further urged parents to ensure a proper upbringing of their children in a healthy environment and to inculcate to them the values of discipline, hard work and sacrifice. This, will ensure that the future generation grow up as responsible adults and are equipped with the necessary life skills to improve their social status and break free from the shackles of poverty, he said.
As for the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr. Dharmendar Sesungkur, he highlighted that the FCH reflects the deep resolve of Government to uplift the quality of life of people at the lower rung of the social ladder. As a responsible and compassionate Government, he said, other endeavours such as the free provision of education, free transport for students and the elderly, free medical care, and subsidies on staple food, have been implemented.
According to the Minister, the FCH will certainly help the beneficiaries break the cycle of poverty and acquire better life chances that will enhance the quality of their life, in particular that of their children.
On the occasion, plants were distributed to the beneficiaries and a tree planting ceremony was held to symbolically represent the need of self-sufficiency, respect for the environment and sustainable living.
Source: Government of Mauritius