Natcof's general meeting in full swing

The Macro-Economic Reform Programme (MERP) introduced last July has led customers to be more price conscious, the consumers forum has reported.

The National Consumers Forum (Natcof) said that it received more queries from consumers who wanted to be certain that they were not being overcharged.

Natcof officials discussed the increase in queries at its annual general meeting held recently at the English River Community Centre.

Natcof chairperson Raymonde Course said the issues were usually resolved despite the increased workload.

“In most cases we have managed to investigate the matters and clarify any doubts the consumers brought to us," she said during her report for 2003.

In the report, Ms Course retraced the major activities Natcof undertook last year, as well as the constraints they encountered.

Natcof’s activities during 2003 included the popular radio programme Depans on SBC radio that explores issues consumers face and provides possible solutions. Natcof also distributed notices, leaflets and its newsletter.

According to Ms Course, consumer education is the one main goal of Natcof, to ensure that consumers have proper and adequate information in order to protect their rights, which is expressed in Natcof's theme of “Protect and Promote Consumers.”

Apart from the campaign to educate consumers, Natcof also held a number of talks with various organisations in 2003, such as the Seychelles People’s Defence Force, district administrations and the Ministry of Health.                                                       

The meeting was also the opportunity to discuss Natcof's plan of action for 2004.

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