OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

14.07.2011

BETTER SERVICES FOR LAND USE AND HOUSING

President James Michel undertook a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat (MLUH) at its headquarters at Independence House this morning. President Michel holds the portfolio of that ministry since May 2011.The President’s visit is in line with his policy to remain connected with the people.

After meeting with the senior personnel, President Michel visited the different sections and units of that ministry to meet the 140 staff members of staff to hear their views and better understand their constraints they encounter during their day to day occupations.

“As this ministry has a great responsibility in dealing greatly with the general public with regards to housing, planning and lands issues. It is important that we re-look at ways it is functions; as part of the New Seychelles , we need to review the way that we can meet the people’s expectations."

The President said that the Planning Authority is relooking at its structure to give a better service to people, and which includes more resources and qualified personnel to enhance and speed up the whole process of developing land.

“We need to seek the qualified personnel to render these services and at the same time we should restructure their scheme of service to retain them or they will go to the private sector, which applies not only at MLUH but the public sector in general. We need to retain the best brains that we have for better service delivery to the public.”

The Geographical Information Systems Unit gave a presentation to President Michel on a new information system database that will be put into place for better cooperation with other agencies and departments of Government. Information will also be put online for better ease of access by the public and for faster and more transparent services rendered to the public.

“The restructuring of the ministry is underway and a new information system will be put into place by the beginning of next year will help to better identify government land in different districts, to be surveyed and allocated to the applicants for land and housing,” said President Michel.

During the visit, the President spoke about the importance of communication of decisions and processes, in order to improve the public service. President Michel said the restructuring of the ministry will be done gradually until the end of this year and next year the ministry will start on a new footing in line to continue its work for the New Seychelles for the people of Seychelles.

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