Aunt Johnette Mambe is a pensioner who lives in the north of Mahe. She's never used a mobile phone or type on a computer, let alone knowing the meaning of the acronym ICT. But all this could change soon.
The Seychelles National Assembly approved a motion tabled by a member from her region, which called on the government and private sector to increase access to communication facilities at the district level.
All members who supported the motion argued that the government has been slow in introducing measures that could encourage the wider use of ICT in everyday life. As a result, aunt Johnette so far has been left on the wrong side of the “digital divide.”
Presenting the motion, SPPF MNA Daniel Frichot said “the time has come to bring ICT to the reach of everyone.”
Citing the Seychelles government's plan, in partnership with India to set up an IT Centre here, Frichot called on the private sector to complement the effort. “This will transform the actual situation, bringing low-cost, accessible information and communication technologies to narrow the digital divide.”
Whilst supporting the motion the opposition members drew attention to existing limitations, namely the scarcity of foreign exchange and a lack of infrastructure.
An affordable telephone system and fast Internet access right in the heart of aunt Johnette's and other communities is what the country needs.
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