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Archive -Seychelles

Letter to the Editor - Sustainable initiative |23 February 2018

Thank you for the space in the newspaper. I am an architect and sustainable advocate. I have been visiting Seychelles for the past 10 years and I am proposing some sustainable initiatives that can be taken up by governmental and non-governmental organisations in social and professional context:

  • Social welfare costs the economy millions. It harms, break downs and scars families who cannot manage social welfare payment. Managing their monthly allowance is a major issue faced by individuals who are faced by the daily ills of society, such as alcohol and drugs. Others are tempted by the non-essential items of daily life or living extravagant lifestyles, for example purchasing latest mobile phone, overseas travel and over the top fashion ware.
  • Since we are living in a digital age and economy, one simple proposal is that the social welfare department should collaborate with local government banks to create a social welfare debit card. This dedicated debit card will receive welfare payments from the authorised government department into its dedicated account and can only be used for local expenses, for example at STC retail shops for food and day to day basic living consumables, and additionally for paying electricity and water bills.

This would discourage welfare recipients to spend tax payers’ hard earned money on non-essential items, such as cigarettes, alcohol, overseas travel and luxury items. Furthermore, it would allow government officials to track where and how the money is spent.This would provide good governance, transparency and accountability for all stakeholders.

Thank you for the space.

 

Sean Daniel

Architect and urban designer

 

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

 

 

 

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