The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
POSTAL and courier services are essential, and play an important role every day for people and businesses as they significantly contribute to global social and economic development.
The remarks were made by Information Technology and Communication, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, during the belated World Post Day commemorations held in Chipinge recently.
“This day was set aside to celebrate the postal services’ role in the everyday lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development. The importance of this essential service has been magnified by the Covid-19 pandemic that the world is grappling with right now.
“In this regard, Government saw it fit to declare the posts as an essential service, which saw the delivery of medications, medical samples, food and other critical services to different parts of the world that were under lockdown. Indeed, the pandemic cemented the postal services’ role in the local community,” said Minister Muswere.
He said the service could be used effectively as a disaster risk management strategy.
Minister Muswere hailed workers in the postal industry for their dedication to duty and bravery in the face of Covid-19.
“I wish to urge those who offer this service to respond to the many other challenges around us that include but are not limited to Sustainable Development Goals, needs of the youths, impact of ICTs and logistics,” he said.
Postal service providers, Minister Muswere added, should engage in discussion on innovations in view of the challenges and experiences brought about by Covid-19.
He said prioritising issues bordering on digitalisation of postal services with a view to develop new products and services is imperative.
“The need for fast and efficient logistics was brought to the fore by the pandemic; so the service providers must work hard to reduce delivery times. The need for minimal or even zero personal contact was also brought to the fore by the need for social distancing. In this regard, I urge you to come up with realistic and smart strategies to ensure tangible, inclusive socio-economic development for the benefit of the citizens,” said Minister Muswere.
