Posts are relevant albeit modern telecommunications technology

Who needs the posts in the face of modern telecommunications technology? This is a question often asked by persons who do not appreciate the critical role played by posts in the socio-economic development of a country. The Posts portend many governments and the peoples of a country. Among these benefits are:

National addressing system: The development of a national address management system using the posts involves the creation of geographical postcodes and mapping people, businesses, infrastructure etc to these locations. An established national addressing system is useful to a governments, businesses, citizens and non governmental agencies. National addressing will assist in the management of disasters and health services, social policing, fire fighting, national security, conduct of national census and the identification of persons.

National identity: A post office is a national identity for any country. It creates recognition for its people and a means of global communication. A country’s postage stamp not only generates income for posts but it also gives it a national identity. It further creates the image of a functional government in towns and villages where it is present.

Employment: The post is labour intensive and hence a major employer in any country. It creates employment opportunities and a source of income for a country’s citizens. This in turn improves the economic well being of its staff and contributes to national socio- economic development.

Trade and commerce: The posts facilitate local and international trade through the exchange of mail, courier and parcels. It further enhances commerce by conveying goods and providing essential services such as payments and money transfer. The post is used in direct mail marketing and business reply services which assist businesses to grow into new markets. It encourages the tourism sector through the exchange of letters, post cards and philatelic materials.

Money transfer: The post facilitates money transfer within and outside a country’s national borders. These encourages business, facilitates foreign exchange earnings and investment through remittances from the Diaspora.

Payment of utilities: The post because of their expansive network and reliability are preferred points for payment of utility bills. These include water, electricity and telephone services. The payment of these bills at post offices creates convenience for customers and the utility companies who don’t have to open their own branches all over. The posts on the other hand generate revenue from these agency services.

Savings:  Mobilization of savings is a key priority of any government. National savings are a source of investment funds for both governments and businesses. Post office savings banks are popular world over because of the ability to save small sums of money. Unlike conventional banks, post offices are available in remote villages in any country. The establishment of post banks enables citizens to save little amounts of money and make withdrawals as necessary.

Communication: Posts enhance social and commercial communication in a country. Communities are able to communicate by sending letters, emails and greeting cards. On the other hand, businesses generate lots of mail to their customers. These include invoices, statements, samples, promotional materials and payment cheques etc.

Educational:  The posts are used in the dissemination of information locally and internationally. Educational institutions are a major beneficiary of the posts. They are able to receive and respond to application from potential students. Research and surveys can be conducted using the posts.

Government services: In many posts world over, they have been used to provide certain government services. These include processing applications for drivers’ licences, passports, trade licences, tax registration etc. This agency services at the post offices brings the government closer to the people and creates convenience for all parties.

Source of Government revenue: The post office is a source of revenue for governments through the various postal business streams. These include sale of postage stamps, courier services, sale of letter boxes, financial and agency services. Although mail volumes are dwindling internationally, mail still remains major revenue earner for posts worldwide.

Collection of taxes and government levies: The post is a trusted partner to governments and private agencies. Because of its established accounting systems, the posts have been used world over to collect government taxes and levies. These include income tax, various government fines, licence fees etc.

Governments and postal authorities should re-dedicate themselves to the maintenance of a robust and vibrant postal service in their territories.