President Herminie Lays Foundation Stone for New La Digue Elderly Home

President Patrick Herminie of Seychelles laid the foundation stone for a new 10-unit elderly home at L'Union, La Digue, marking the start of construction. The facility aims to provide a safer, healthier, and fully accessible living environment for elderly residents requiring residential care. The project is a partnership between the government and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC), which is contributing approximately R10 million towards construction.

The new home replaces the existing facility at L'Union Estate, which was opened on June 26, 1999. However, its proximity to the PUC plant exposes residents to smoke and noise, and the site is prone to flooding. The government is financing the balance of around R5 million through the budget of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Equality. In exchange, PUC will take over the existing site to expand its installations and improve its service to La Digue.

A memorandum of understanding setting out the collaboration was signed during the ceremony by the secretary of state for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Joseph François, the principal secretary for Social Affairs, Mike Morel, and the chief executive of PUC, Joel Valmont. The Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) will supervise the works, which are expected to be completed in December 2027. The project will provide elderly residents who need residential care with a place on their own island, close to family and community.

President Herminie laid the first stone alongside the Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, Pamela Charlette, and other officials. Minister Charlette said the President's presence sent a clear message that the well-being of the elderly will always remain a priority for the government. She emphasized that the elderly are the guardians of history, traditions, and values, and deserve love, respect, and the best possible care.

The new home will feature 10 self-contained units, each with its own bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and veranda, arranged around a central courtyard. The units will be designed with accessibility built into international norms. The ceremony featured songs by pupils of La Digue primary school, a poem by La Digue secondary student Ethan Laurence, and a traditional romance performance by the 55 Plus group.

President Herminie is on a three-day working visit to the inner islands, where he is following up on several national projects. The visit continues today on Praslin. The President and Minister Charlette also unveiled a commemorative plaque during the ceremony. Militna Jeanne delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the La Digue community.

The new elderly home on La Digue is expected to be completed by December 2027 and will provide a much-needed service to the elderly residents on the island. The project is a testament to the government's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the elderly.

Key points

• The new home will provide a safer, healthier, and fully accessible living environment for elderly residents requiring residential care.