President James Michel said this in his state-of-the-nation address, which he delivered before the National Assembly on Friday.

He said during the upcoming EXPO 2020 all the plans for these islands will be publicised, after which people can apply for houses or businesses such as offices, workshops, hotels or restaurants.

“We are using our islands – Aurore, Soleil, Eve, Romainville and Perseverance – to create economic space,” said Mr Michel.

“We will make opportunities available for Seychellois to develop around 1,400 houses of different styles that blend well with our Seychellois Creole identity and environment.”

Mr Michel said the houses will be tendered out to Seychellois who aspire either to have their own homes or wish to carry out commercial developments.

“Our Waterfront project, which has been relaunched as La Promenade, is reserved for Seychellois investment,” he said.

“When we combine the new La Promenade project with the opportunities on the islands, we will have around 400 units for shops, workshops for small businesses, and new offices.

“There will be 140 units on Aurore, 100 on Ile Soleil, some 50 on Eve, and some 60 for shops and kiosks under La Promenade.”

Mr Michel said the government will also make 12 new sites available for hotel projects – three or four on Aurore, one on Soleil, three for La Promenade and Hodoul, and four on Eve.

He said this does not take account of other possibilities for small guesthouses.

“Seychelles 2020 offers abundant opportunities for Seychellois,” he added.

“Provisions have already been made for a new school and hospital on Ile Soleil. We are studying proposals for a windfarm project for Romainville, and eventually also a solar project to enable us to sustain alternative energy development and gradually reduce our dependence on imported fuel.”

The President said the government reclaimed land to put opportunities in our hands and is now consolidating that vision.

“With these islands we will be able to create wealth for our country,” he said.

He said at the EXPO 2020, to be held later this month, we will be able to experience and appreciate all he has been talking about.

“It is an initiative that will demonstrate all that we are able to accomplish,” he said.

“Our EXPO 2020 will depict all the ambitions of this new Seychellois generation.”