MNAs satisfied with government housing pledges
29.10.2009
Members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Government Assurances have said they are satisfied with the work now being done in the housing sector and with promises made on progress in this area.
This followed site visits they made yesterday to five housing estates around Mahe to assess the ongoing work.
They were accompanied by principal secretary for national development Christian Lionnet and other officials of the ministry, which is responsible for housing.
The sites visited were Kan Tobrouk at Sans Soucis, Kan Gard at Mont Fleuri, Esterilia Dufrene at Copolia, Ex-Albert at Pointe Larue and Ile Perseverance.
The bi-partisan committee is headed by Marie-Antoinette Rose of the Parti Lepep, while Sandy Arissol of the Seychelles National Party is the vice-chairman. Its other members are Clifford Andre, Ansley Constance, Mitcy Larue, Giovanna Charles and Gervais Henrie.
Its main duty is to evaluate the assurances given to the assembly by government representatives. It is also seen as the perfect bridge between the legislature and ministries.
Ms Rose described the visit as an opportunity to physically assess the various projects that have been promised by the Ministry of National Development in terms of reliability and deadlines for completion.
It was also a chance to meet the technical people involved to raise queries and receive explanations about the work and any difficulties that have arisen, she added.
Ms Rose said the committee will now compile a report that will be analysed at the end of the year to assess the reliability of the government’s assurances to the assembly.
She added that the committee is getting the support of all the ministries, which is proof that they are committed to giving accurate information.
On behalf of the ministry, Mr Lionnet described the visit as the ideal opportunity to show the committee members proof of the assurances given and also to explain the various constraints and difficulties encountered in 2009.
He explained that some of the projects have been delayed due to the economic reforms, in particular the resulting rise in the price of building materials.
Mr Lionnet added that throughout the year his ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Finance and building contractors to review the fluctuations in costs.
He said new prices for 90% of the projects have been agreed on, and the contractors have assured them that they will complete the work.
Mr Lionnet said most of his ministry’s assurances have been honoured, except for a few that will need further explanations and extended deadlines, and this will be brought before the assembly soon.