Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698079465850.pdf (Seychelles)
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 Head Office: Victoria | Mahé Direct Line (+248) 4280 280 WhatsApp: 2 52 38 18 Hotline: 4 32 52 52 enquires@sptc.sc www.sptc.sc TABLE OF Contents 1.0 CORPORATE PROFILE 1.1 About Us -1 1.2 Vision -2 1.3 Mission -2 1.4 Strategic Objectives -3 2.0 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 2.1 SPTC Board -4 2.2 Board Sub-committees - 5 2.3 SPTC Corporate - 6 2.4 Management committees - 7 3.0 IMPORTANT EVENTS - 8 - 9 4.0 DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW - 10 4.1 Public Transport Service - 10 -11 4.1.1 Passenger Trend - 12 4.1.2 Technical Support - 13 4.2 Corporate Support - 14 - 15 4.3 Human Resources - 16 - 17 4.4 Administration - 18 4.5 Finance and Financial Services - 19 -20 SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Corporate Profile 1.1 About Us Established in December 1977 as a body corporate under the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation Decree, CAP 221, the primary function of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) is: “the corporation shall exercise its powers so as to provide, or secure or promote the provision of an efficient, adequate, and economical system of public transport within Seychelles for the general public, consistent with a reasonable and adequate level of fares being charged” Section 15 (1).
SPTC is fully owned by the Seychelles’ Government.

The SPTC’s public bus service operates everyday: 7 days a week 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM In the pursuit of financial independence from government subvention, SPTC has diversified into additional services: Training: SPTC offers a state-of-the-art driver course that awards the Seychelles Class 6 License.
Marketing: Advertise on travel cards, billboards and pillars of the Terminals, buses, PA system, website, mobile App and branded products as SPTC taps into most of the country’s commuters.

Mechanical: Full maintenance and breakdown services to the general public.

The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation is a parastatal within the Ministry of Transport.

In 2021, the Minister for Transport is Mr Anthony Derjacques.
1 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 1.2 Vision “TO OPERATE A MODERN AND SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM THAT FURTHERS THE DEVELOPMENT AND ASPIRATIONS OF OUR COUNTRY.” 1.3 Mission To be a proud public transport operator that embraces innovation in the industry supported by modern and robust infrastructure.

Enhance customers travel experience through the provision of a safe, reliable and effective service.
Capacity building, development and empowerment of our most valuable asset; our people.

To operate a sustainable business, availing of adequate resources so as to ensure self-sufficiency.

Develop an organizational culture of engagement, professionalism and commitment.

Engage all partners and stakeholders through meaningful and effective communication.

Socially responsible and environmentally friendly public transport operator.
2| SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 1.4 Strategic Objectives SPTC Sector Strategic Plan 2021-2025 aims to achieve the following strategic objectives: 1.

To improve the business environment and operation through modern infrastructure and facilities 2.

To increase vigilance and preparedness towards health, safety and emergencies 3.

To improve customer service delivery in SPTC 4.

To improve travel experiences of people using the SPTC services and facilities 5.
To improve the internal management, control and people performance at all levels of SPTC 6.

To strengthen financial and fiscal risk management and reporting 7.
To have a more commercially oriented, as well as efficient and cost- effective operation that creates more returns and values for its shareholders 3 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Corporate Governance 2.1 SPTC Board The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) is governed by a Board of Directors, entrusted with the overall strategic direction of the Corporation.
Board meetings are held at least once a month and is supported by the following board sub-committees having specific objective of providing governance oversight and reports board, on key and critical activities of the corporation, at least two board members seat on each board sub-committees.
SPTC BOARD WITH MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT (left to right) Allain Kilindo, Siana Bistoquet, Antony Derjacques (Minister), Andy Moncherry, Cecily Derjacques, Patrick Vel CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MR. ANDY MONCHERRY MR. BERNARD DOMINGUE DIRECTOR MRS. CECILY DERJACQUES DIRECTOR MR. ALLAN KILINDO DIRECTOR MRS. SIANA BISTOQUET DIRECTOR MR PATRICK VEL EX OFFICIO MEMBER CEO SPTC 4| SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 2.2 Board Sub-Committees The Board set up sub-committees to have oversight and governance on key activities.
All committees have their own Terms and Reference and sets of Standard Operating Procedures.

Project Board Sub-Committee The Project Board Sub-Committee has oversight on at all capital projects.

Two Directors sits on the committee and the committee is chaired by a Director.

IT Board Sub-Committee The mandate of the committee is to oversee the transformation of SPTC by embracing more technology into the routine operation.
The committee also has close oversight on the service providers that provides IT supports and services.

Two Directors sits on the committee and the committee is chaired by a Director.

Finance Board Sub-Committee The committee has oversight over the Finance and Financial Services of the Organisation.

The committee is chaired by a Board Director.

The Internal Auditor is responsible to carry out audit on the Finance and Financial Services performance and the Auditor reports to the Board Chairman.
5| SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 2.3 SPTC CORPORATE The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation is headed by a Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patrick Vel (2016- to date) and overseen by the SPTC Board of Directors and an Internal Auditor that is independent of the CEO’s Office.

5| SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 2.4 Management Committees Under good governance, SPTC Management has other committees to assist management in its functions.
Procurement Committee Procurement that falls within the threshold allowed by POU to be financed internally goes through a Procurement Committee for approval.

The committee is guided by the internal Procurement Policy and the POU Regulations.

Procurement that falls within the threshold of SR 150,000/- allowed by POU to be financed internally goes through a Procurement Committee for approval.

The committee falls under the responsibility of Corporate Affairs in the CEOs’ Office.
HR Appeals Committee This Committee reviews staff appeals of disciplinary measures made by SPTC Management to ensure the fair and just treatment of employees.

6 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Important Events Quarter 1 Covid-19 Management SPTC continued implementing a stringent management plan for COVID-19 mitigation aimed at ensuring the safety of staff and commuters .
Ongoing discussion for the Purchase of 55 new buses As per the Corporation’s bus fleet replacement plans SPTC emphasized on the ongoing technical discussion with concerns parties regarding the acquisition of 55 new buses to be financed by a line of credit from Exim Bank of India for the Government of Seychelles According to its SPTC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, the parastatal continuously invests in improving the quality of its fleet so as to ensure safe, efficient and comfortable travel for commuters as part of its Fleet Replacement Plan Quarter 2 Preparation of budget support review A meeting with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Transport, PEMC, Department of Land Transport and SPTC was held to discuss SPTC's budget requirements.
A committee was set up with SPTC, DoLT and PEMC to discuss and formulate a Cabinet Paper on the way forward to address the budget requirement for SPTC.

7 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Quarter 3 Installation of New Brake/vehicle Testing station As part of its effort to improve safety and security of its buses and minimize risk of accidents due to mechanical defect, SPTC installed a new Analogue/Digital Vehicle Testing station to replace the old station.
Some key benefits of the brake tester are to: • Reduce brake defects on buses on the road.

• Ensure 100% brake effectivity of buses when exiting mechanical workshop.

• Reduce mechanical errors from brakes • Reduce accidents caused by brake failure Quarter 4 Phased application of the budget support review as approved by the Cabinet of Ministers The Cabinet of Ministers approved implementation of recommendations brought forward in the SPTC Budget Review Paper submitted on 1st September 2021.
The following were implemented effective 1st October 2022 aiming at assisting to implement strategies to minimize revenue leakage/ improve efficiency and minimize cost for the • A change in bus fare structure from the flat RS 7 to a Rs 10 fare purchased through established smart Cards and Rs12 fares paid otherwise.

• A campaign for SPTC to encourage the use of smart cards on its buses To note that the efficacy of the implementation will be reviewed during 2022.
SPTC will implement further operational strategies to address budget shortfall such as: 1.

2.

3.

Reviewing the existing operational bus network to minimise route network.

Operating selective bus service at regional level and introduce feeder system from secondary routes connecting to main corridors.

Mobilising other sources of revenue other than bus fare collection.
This is to be implemented as per the SPTC Budget Review Paper 2021 8| SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Departmental Review 4.1 Public Transport Service 4.1.1 Public Transport Operations Praslin SPTC operates an integrated public bus network, with over 1500 bus journeys daily, covering over 83 bus routes on Mahe and Praslin, supported by four (4) bus depots located across Mahe and one (1) in Praslin, three Bus Terminals, 222 buses, and 220 drivers.
9 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 During the year 2021, emphasis was placed on reviewing bus timetables for efficiency, with a new weekday timetable introduced in November 2021.

Adjustments were also made to the Sunday timetable and such exercise to continue.

SPTC managed to successfully provide acceptable level of public transportation amidst the challenges at national level namely the pandemic.
Some of the ongoing challenges include SPTC operating 30% under capacity given that according to the directives from the Public Health Authority no standing passengers are allowed on public buses.

Human resource-wise, attracting and retaining quality drivers is still a constraint.

Other operations issues such as overhanging branches and obstructions, which all have impact on the daily operations including commuters.
lack of buses, road related limitation include 9 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.1.1.1 Passenger Travel Trends Since year 2016 SPTC has recorded a continuous decline in total number of tickets sold.

The most significant drop was reported in 2020 with a 30% reduction of passengers compared to 2019.

This decreasing trend has continued to 2021 by 13% compared to 2020.
The monthly analysis of passenger trend in 2021 shows a progressive improvement up to October however, thereafter it continued to drop in the last two months.

9 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.1.2 Technical Service The SPTC Technical Workshop is located at New Port and consists of; Fleet Management, Workshop (Mechanical) and Workshop (Support).
Fleet management division is responsible for the planning and record of servicing and maintenance of the fleet while the workshop (Mechanical & support) carries out all the vehicle maintenance in a well-organized structure of different specialized sections to accommodate all the parts on a bus.

Quality control is the priority and the workshop functions to ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers.
There are monthly checks on buses; such as Brake testing, emissions testing and the testing of all the other components on the bus.

In addition basic checks are carried out daily by the drivers and mechanics on all buses.

During the year 2021 the Technical Workshop faced various challenges in-view that some measures to mitigate COVID19 were implemented including the implementation of its Business continuity strategies sanctioning only 50% of its workforce working at the mechanical workforce daily.
Therefore, despite the workshop functioning with half manpower capacity for long period of time during the year, the main objective of the department that is to ensure safety and security of buses through quality and timely vehicle repairs were upheld throughout the year.

10 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.2 Corporate Support The Corporate Affairs, under the responsibility of the CEOs’ Office, provide support services to other departments in the Organisation.
The unit is made up of: • Marketing • Business Development • Communication and Public Relation • Legal • Procurement Oversight • Project Management • Risks, Emergency Response and Disaster Management Communication The Communication unit is tasked with the responsibility to provide prompt and effective internal and external communication, sensitize and educate the general public on services provided by SPTC.

In a nutshell to satisfy the need for information by both SPTC internal and external customers.
SPTC maintained its good working relationship with all Media Houses in the country informing them of the happenings in SPTC through Press Releases, Communiqués, and interviews and participated in several press conferences.

SPTC intensified the use of its website and social media i.e.

Facebook to disseminate proactive information to the public.
1 1 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 Marketing and Business Development The role of the Marketing and Business Development section of SPTC is to identify new alternative revenue streams that satisfy both the customer and SPTC requirements profitably.

SPTC has developed clear marketing strategies and plans for the different products and services available within the corporation.
Apart from the transportation of the general public, which is the core business of SPTC, where bus fares are collected, SPTC has the potential to offer other products and services.

In 2021, as part of our product developments, SPTC has streamlined all its travel card products and introduced a Traveler Apps to facilitate online reloading of Travel Cards inclusive of other features.
This section is continuously exploring new avenues and building stronger relationships with various businesses and stakeholders with the view of diversifying the revenue base for SPTC.
Travel Related Services • Bus advertising • Smart cards advertising Sales of Physical Space • Advertising at the different Terminals • ATM space for Banks • Vending machines • Terminal transit for private buses Workshop Related Services • Private vehicle maintenance jobs • Exporting scrap metals 12 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.3 Human Resources The Human Resource Section is responsible for managing the employee life cycle in the organization and establishing equitable policies for effective Human Resources management.
SPTC’s success depends on the performance of its most valuable asset which is its employees.

SPTC total staff strength as of December 2021 stood at 549 personnel of which 220 were drivers, 117 technical staff, and 192 support staff.

The 241 bus drivers accounted for 44% of the workforce of which 18 were expatriates, 21% were technical staff of which 64 were expatriates.

The remaining 35% of the workforce were support staff.
NUMBER OF STAFF (JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2021) 556 551 550 548 532 548 549 549 543 540 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 548 532 556 550 551 548 542 548 549 543 540 549 13 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.3.1 Bus driver Recruitment and Retention Recruitment and retention of local drivers remained a challenge in 2021 like the previous years.
4.3.2 Human Resource Development As part of the overall Human Resource Development strategy, staff training and capacity building are the two areas that SPTC has been prioritizing.

The Human Resource core Unit's integrate the use of responsibility training and career development to improve employee performance.
Development is to Training in 2021 Internal Workshops External Management Training Driver Training and refresher courses Rightsizing In line with the SPTC Strategic Plan 2021-2025, Strategic Choice 3A and point 5.5 of the Memorandum to the Cabinet of Ministers: SPTC Budget Review of August 2021, a manpower audit was initiated in consultation with the Department of Public Administration at the end of 2021 and report was submitted January 2022.
The recommendations of the towards manpower streamlining the structure of SPTC in an effort to rightsize the Corporation.
are geared audit Total Appointment 80 Total Leavers Total Transfers Total Promotion 78 7 0 14 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.4 Administration 4.4.1 Administration The Administration department is responsible to provide administrative and non-core logistical support to all department in SPTC and also for proper up-keeping of buildings, and properties that fall under the portfolio of SPTC.
4.4.2 Compliance & Security This department has the responsibility to supervise and conduct necessary checks and test to ensure that all procedures are being followed on board all buses such as ticketing and safety procedures, in order to detect wrongful doing such as pilferage, leakage, fare invasions and ensuring that every traveling passenger is issued with a valid travel ticket so that all proceedings go in the company coffer as it should.
Furthermore, it is also tasked with meeting the Corporation’s security needs and by doing so enhance the safety and security of all our staff and visitors alike.
15 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.5 Finance and Financial Services 4.5.1 Finance Department This department is tasked with ensuring that costs and expenses are contained, that revenue for all services rendered is collected, and to provide accurate and timely financial information to management and other stakeholders in conformity with IFRS standard such as PEMC, Ministry of Finance , SPTC Board and SPTC Management.
4.5.2 Financial Services The Financial Services unit within SPTC is responsible for: I.

Local and overseas procurement in compliance to the Procurement Act and Policy.

II.

Spare parts store and stock management.

16 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280 4.5.3.
Financial Performance 2021 A revenue of SR 106.50 M (2020: SR 103.41 M) was generated during the year and the total cost incurred went up to SR 180.19 M (2020: SR 185.77 M) hence resulted in a deficit of SR 73.69 M (2020: SR 82.36 M).

At the bottom line, the depreciation charge released from grant assets of SR 13.0 M (2020: SR 15.58 M) has further elevated the net deficit to 86.69 M (2020: SR 97.94 M).
However, with the receipt of subvention SR 70 M (2020: SR 79.79 M) the loss for the year was finally brought down to SR 16.69 M (2020: SR 18.15 M).

The first half of the year brought multiple challenges of managing new-normals along with a lowered commuter trend due to the second wave of covid -19 prevailed in the country.

This situation brought severe impact on chasing budgeted targets.
Despite of this situation, the corporation revised the general bus fare from SR 7/- to SR 12/- in October and the introduced “Cashless” program with the target of promoting 100% card based ticketing at a new revised fare of SR 10/-.

These strategies were able to boost the traffic revenue streams during the last quarter.

17 | SPTC ANNUAL REPORT 2021 WWW.SPTC.SC - ENQUIRIES@SPTC.SC – 4 280 280