Seychelles is a small island with a population of about ninety-five thousand people. The nation has a substantial maritime boundary, comprising an entire economic zone of nearly 1.5 million square kilometres in one of the world’s central fishing grounds for Tuna. The economic pillars in the region are seafood industries, tourism, and fisheries. Tourism generates almost half of the total national income, and canned tuna is the most exported product on the Island. Seychelles has attained a high degree of human development, as mentioned by the development index of the United States.
Poverty reduction
Seychelles has nearly eliminated absolute poverty; nonetheless, some researchers say the Island’s poverty rate is still rising. According to a National Bureau of Standards study, 40 percent of the populace lives below the Island’s poverty line. The country’s poverty line equals an individual’s monthly income of SCR 3900, about $290. The Government is still an integral player in offering social maintenance through agencies such as the Agency for Social Protection (ASP). This agency is liable for providing social support, specifically financial assistance, to low-income earners and less privileged individuals. The ASP is the main giver of social and economic advantages to people who are rightfully unemployed and those employed but whose overall household revenue is below the standard for necessities and social support.
Seychelles micro-economic adjustments
The Agency for Social Protection received more than three thousand applications for financial assistance. Even though this approach was viewed as a manner of helping those in need and ensuring that society is equitable and socially stable, there has been numerous criticism of its enactment. Certainly, there are many reports that the system is corrupt, and this explains why many people have chosen to receive social support instead of opting for gainful employment. The main recipients of welfare assistance are women, and seventy percent are between 30 and 65 years old. The Government of Seychelles has established numerous plans, such as the national minimum salary applied to all labour forces. This plan offered a safety net to protect employees from poverty and exploitation.
Housing infrastructure
The Island of Seychelles has impressive housing initiatives and policies that benefit all people, including vulnerable groups and low-income families. Seychelles Vision 2030 continues to acknowledge that housing is a vital element of national infrastructure and crucial to economic growth, social development, and national competitiveness. Although there are materializing financial and economic intricacies, the Seychelles Government remains firm in providing housing for its citizens. The new micro-economic program has allowed the Government to construct housing grounds in all the twenty-five districts of the nation. When the project is complete, it is anticipated to significantly minimize the congestion pressure around towns and their suburbs.
Water resources infrastructure
Water is becoming a major concern for the people living in Seychelles. The reliance of both society and the economy on water resources, especially during the dry season, is resulting in major issues. These problems are, of course, intensified by the fact that there is a less effective way of storing enough water for the dry period due to a lack of storage facilities such as barrages or dams. Approximately ninety-five percent of freshwater resources disappear into the sea as storage and catchment capacities are insufficient. Seychelles lacks fresh water, which is a major risk to most economic activities, particularly light manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
Health infrastructure
For the past forty years, the Island of Seychelles has made exceptional achievements in health development. Sufficient health facilities cater to public health, especially regarding physical and geographical infrastructures. These facilities are disseminated country-wide based on the values of access and equity. Consequently, it is important to note that healthcare services are affordable to many individuals in all the twenty-five districts of the island state of the Republic of Seychelles.
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