The social housing program in Mauritius, managed by the New Social Living Development Ltd (NSLD), has experienced substantial delays and cost overruns. Initially estimated at Rs 12 billion for 12,000 units, the program now stands at nearly Rs 30 billion for 8,000 units. As of September 30, 2026, only 2,922 units across 14 projects have been fully completed, including infrastructure works.
An audit conducted by the Office of Public Sector Governance (OPSG) revealed several irregularities in the program's implementation. The audit, commissioned in January 2025 and dated February 16, 2026, examined NSLD's activities since its inception in May 2019. The report highlighted issues with contract allocation, including eight consultant contracts awarded in November 2021, which were later terminated.
The terminated contracts, valued at Rs 919 million, had a cost per unit of Rs 3.5 million, exceeding the program's cap of Rs 2.5 million per unit. Rs 496 million was paid out, including Rs 85.6 million in compensation, without any units being built under these contracts. The ministry also reported that two construction tenders launched in 2022 did not yield results due to high bids.
The audit identified weaknesses in public procurement procedures, with NSLD considering itself exempt from the Public Procurement Act of 2006 despite being fully funded by the state. The ministry noted the absence of a tender committee and inadequate internal control mechanisms. Rs 33 million in expenses were made based on informal requests for quotations, with insufficient controls in place.
The audit raised concerns about contract allocation in February 2023, where only a limited number of large companies were selected. Additionally, infrastructure works worth Rs 5.3 billion, including roads, drains, and water and sanitation networks, were not integrated into the overall planning and were added later as contract modifications without new competitive tenders.
As of September 30, 2026, 35 projects representing 7,974 units were underway, with 14 projects completed, 13 partially completed, and five ongoing. Three projects, comprising 670 units, were stalled. The ministry stated that 2,332 units already built would not be ready for occupancy until 2027 due to delays in infrastructure connections.
The situation remains challenging at several sites, including Riambel, Tyack, and Balisson, where work has been slow or stalled. The ministry attributed many of the issues to decisions made before the November 2024 general elections and announced corrective measures, including the reconstitution of the tender committee and strengthened project monitoring.
Key points
- The social housing program in Mauritius has seen significant delays and cost overruns, with only 2,922 units completed out of 8,000 planned.
- An audit revealed irregularities in contract allocation and public procurement procedures.
- The program's completion is now expected to be achieved by 2027, with some projects facing delays until 2028.
