Ten families registered on the Social Register of Mauritius have been handed the keys to new homes developed by the National Housing Development Company. The homes are located in various areas, with four units in Henrietta, four in Melrose, and two in Sebastopol. This allocation is part of a collaboration between the National Empowerment Foundation and the National Housing Development Company, where 10% of the social housing built by NHDC is reserved for beneficiaries of the Social Register.
The Social Register of Mauritius is a vital tool for identifying families in need of social assistance. The National Empowerment Foundation manages the register and provides support to eligible families. By partnering with the National Housing Development Company, the foundation aims to provide affordable housing options to those who need it most. The allocation of homes in Henrietta, Melrose, and Sebastopol brings relief to the recipients, who can now look forward to a more secure and stable living environment.
In a move to expand the reach of the Social Register, the Minister of Social Integration, Ashok Subron, announced that the income threshold for registration will be increased from Rs 16,400 to Rs 17,500 starting next year. This adjustment is expected to make more families eligible for assistance, including access to social housing. The change is set to take effect in 2024 and may lead to an increase in the number of families seeking support.
While the expansion of the Social Register is seen as a positive step, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the availability of social housing. Without a corresponding increase in the supply of homes, the number of eligible families may grow faster than the number of available units. The government will need to address this challenge to ensure that the needs of those on the Social Register are met.
The government is exploring new initiatives to address the housing needs of families on the Social Register. A proposed social housing project at Ti Rodrigues, Cité La Cure, is currently under consideration. While details about the number of units, cost, and timeline have not been disclosed, the project aims to provide additional housing options for those in need.
Minister Ashok Subron also expressed interest in extending the Rent-to-Own Scheme to families on the Social Register. The existing scheme allows beneficiaries to pay a monthly rent of Rs 4,000 for up to five years before gaining ownership of the property. If extended, this scheme could provide another pathway for families to access affordable housing.
The allocation of homes to ten families on the Social Register marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to provide social housing. With plans to expand the register and explore new housing initiatives, the government aims to address the needs of families across Mauritius. As the country continues to develop, the focus on social housing and support for vulnerable populations remains a priority.
Key points
- The income threshold for registration on the Social Register of Mauritius will be increased from Rs 16,400 to Rs 17,500 starting next year.
- Ten families on the Social Register have received keys to new homes developed by the National Housing Development Company.
- The government is exploring a new social housing project at Ti Rodrigues, Cité La Cure, and considering an extension of the Rent-to-Own Scheme to families on the Social Register.
