01.27.12
Posted in Business and Economy, Seychelles government, Seychelles infrastructure at 2:58 pm by Robert Klien
On January 23, 2012, President James Michel met members of the Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission with a view to discuss the progress of the projects showcased in the Seychelles2020 Expo in March 2011. It is worth noting that Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission was initially known as the National Project Monitoring Unit.
President Michel was briefed on the project implementation timeline and detailed plans for Ile Soleil and Ile Aurore in particular, as both projects are to start in 2012.
In June 2011, technical studies were made. They were followed by subdivision and demarcation of plots of land in October 2011 and an environment study in November 2011. Currently the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB) Seychelles 2020 sales office is being planned for installation into an area of the National Library building in March 2012. In July 2012, its construction is expected to start and be completed in several phases by 2015.
The commission outlined the plans for financing of the housing and commercial projects. It should be noted that these are expected to attract 100% private sourcing. Also, it was announced that the infrastructure including roads, water, electricity, and sewerage would be built by a public limited company that will be established by the government soon.
The meeting of the Commission was attended by secretary of state in the President’s Office, Ambassador Barry Faure who chairs of the commission, principal secretary (PS) for Presidential Affairs Lise Bastienne, the PS for Land Use and Housing Christian Lionnet, chief executive of the Public Utilities Corporation Philip Morin, chief executive of the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB) Sherin Renaud, chief executive of the Planning Authority Gerard Hoareau, architect Alain Hazan from the private sector, director for Project Implementation in the Department of Land Use Yves Choppy, and SIB’s director of Investment Promotion and Facilitation Sabrina Agathine.
The Seychelles2020 Presidential Commission is mandated to liaise with all agencies and persons in the country, public or private, and facilitate broad cross-agency coordination, monitor implementation. Also, it is to keep the President and the cabinet of ministers informed of the progress of the projects.
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01.25.11
Posted in International Organisations, Seychelles infrastructure at 5:14 pm by Robert Klien
According to the 2nd African Governance Report (AGR) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca), the elderly in Seychelles spend the rest of their days in comfort and dignity.
The report urges other African countries to follow Seychelles’ example as regards looking after senior people.
Copies of the report were distributed among delegates who attended the launch of the 3rd AGR at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference room held on January 14.
The report says: “Social policies geared towards the elderly ensure those who are independent have self-catering facilities provided by government in district homes”.
It stated that, in this regard, Seychelles has a policy for the elderly that should be emulated by others”. In most African countries, the quality, affordability and access to social services are inadequate.
It was highlighted in the report that Seychelles is the only African country with free medical care.
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08.27.10
Posted in Business and Economy, Seychelles infrastructure at 7:09 am by Robert Klien
Bharti Airtel informed about its plans to buy 100% stake in Telecom Seychelles for the price of US$62 million. Prior to this deal, Bharti purchased Zain Telecom’s Africa assets for US$10.7 billion, and with the acquision of Telecom Seychelles the company will expand to 19 countries in Africa.
Bharti Airtel’s spokesperson said that the company has never had any stake in Telecom Seychelles, and it was only using its brand name Airtel. Now Bharti Airtel will acquire all stake from its promoters to make it part of African operations.
Telecom Seychelles Limited started its operations in 1998 by offering mobile services. Today it has over 57% stake of the mobile market in Seychelles, offering 3G mobile and integrated wireline services across the country.
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12.27.07
Posted in Business and Economy, Seychelles infrastructure at 11:06 pm by Robert Klien
On December 12, 2007, Airtel (Telecom Seychelles Limited) started marking the commencement of its 10th year anniversary since its 1st launch in 1998.
When the company was launched in Seychelles, there were about 2,500 mobile customers there. Airtel made a significant contribution to an increase in the mobile market share. When Airtel entered the market, it reduced the international calling rates by 58% and local call rates by 40%. In as little as one year of operating, the company had registered more than 2,300 customers. The mobile market has experienced a progressive growth, and Airtel can boast of having captured 54% of the mobile market.
It is important that the launch of Airtel services broke the telecommunications monopoly and opened the market to competition.
Airtel was the 1st to introduce the concept of 24-hour customer service in Seychelles. It also was 1st to introduce prepaid cards & vouchers, value added services such as SMS, ringtones, logos, chat and data fax services.
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