On the morning of Thursday 27th June 2024, the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne was presented the Postal Regulator Annual Report 2023, by the Chief Executive Officer of the Postal Regulator Mr. Neddy Padayachy, accompanied by Postal Regulator Officer Ms. Steffie Kilindo.
The Hon. Speaker welcomed the delegation, thanking them for the presentation of the Report. Mr. Padayachy remarked that during his tenure, which began in October 2023, the Postal Regulator has seen a variety of improvements and future developments for the postal sector. A thorough explanation was offered of the structural developments which are underway, such as the building of a new warehouse which has the multi-function of situating all courier services, sorting through packages, and easing the workload of import customs. Mr. Padayachy emphasised that the level of automation which is being implemented will largely alleviate the existing issues experienced by individuals, MDAs, and particularly the postal system.
It was noted that the construction and development of these systems has already garnered international interest in trade links with Seychelles, improved the potential for continental trade links with other African nations, as well as bolstered the export capabilities of local artisans. CEO Padayachy stated that all advances would be conducted using international standards to ensure that Seychelles is fully compliant with current regulations, and becomes a stable network for trade and postal services. This includes the development of a National Addressing System, which would standardise practices used by not only postal and courier services, but also emergency services such as ambulance and fire rescue dispatch.
The Hon. Speaker remarked that this model would vastly improve the existing infrastructure in Seychelles, and posed a few questions regarding the impact of these developments. It was noted that exercises have been conducted with entities such as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ministry of Land Use & Housing, and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) amongst others, to project the impact on the cost of living, as well as the provision of time sensitive and efficient services nationwide. Hon. Mancienne thanked the CEO for the report and expressed his support for such positive endeavours, before the meeting came to a close.
