55,000 Waiting for NHDC Homes as Building Sites Stall in Mauritius
Two social housing projects at Bambous and Balisson remain unfinished, while over 55,000 applicants are still waiting for affordable homes in Mauritius.
More than 55,000 people in Mauritius are waiting for social housing, yet several construction projects run by the National Housing Development Company (NHDC) remain incomplete. Two sites, one in Bambous on the west coast and another in Balisson in the north, are among those where work has stalled, raising fresh concerns about the country's ability to meet urgent housing demand.
The NHDC is a state-owned company under the Ministry of Housing that develops and allocates affordable homes to low and middle-income Mauritian families. With a waiting list of over 55,000 registered applications, the pressure on the agency to deliver is considerable.
At the Bambous site, the Ministry of Housing confirmed to ION News that construction is still underway and that the project is expected to be completed by May 2027. No major legal or financial obstacles were cited for this site, though the extended timeline will likely frustrate applicants who have been waiting for years.
The situation at Balisson is more complicated. Work there cannot resume until the Ministry of Finance gives its approval. Before that can happen, the government must first formally terminate its contract with Kuros Construction Solutions Ltd, the company previously hired to carry out the construction. That termination is being handled through legal proceedings. Once the contract is dissolved, authorities will need to carry out an assessment of the work already completed by Kuros before any new contractor can be brought in to finish the project. No completion date has been announced for Balisson.
What this means: For the thousands of families who have applied for NHDC housing, these delays translate into continued uncertainty and prolonged waits on a list that already stretches to tens of thousands of names. The legal entanglement at Balisson is particularly significant because it shows how contractor disputes can freeze publicly funded projects for extended periods, leaving vulnerable households in limbo. The requirement for Finance Ministry sign-off before work can restart also highlights how decisions cross multiple government departments, which can slow progress even when the need is clear. Anyone already registered with the NHDC does not need to reapply, but should ensure their contact details and eligibility documents remain up to date with the agency.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for NHDC social housing in Mauritius?β
Applications for social housing in Mauritius are made through the National Housing Development Company (NHDC). Eligible applicants are typically low to middle-income Mauritian citizens who do not own property. You can contact the NHDC directly or visit the Ministry of Housing for application forms and eligibility criteria. With over 55,000 applications currently on the waiting list, demand far exceeds supply.
When will the NHDC housing projects at Bambous and Balisson be completed?β
The Bambous project is expected to be completed by May 2027, according to the Ministry of Housing. The Balisson project has no confirmed completion date. Work there is on hold pending the legal termination of the contract with Kuros Construction Solutions Ltd and a formal assessment of work already carried out, both of which require approval from the Ministry of Finance.
What is the NHDC and what does it do in Mauritius?β
The National Housing Development Company (NHDC) is a government-owned body in Mauritius that falls under the Ministry of Housing. Its primary role is to develop, build and allocate affordable residential units to low and middle-income families who cannot access housing on the open market. It manages waiting lists, construction contracts and the distribution of completed homes across the island.
From Our Network
Find Property in Mauritius
Search Listings β
π§ Breaking alerts straight to your inbox