Defi Defi • 1 month ago

The Consumers’ Eye Association’s Wishes for Consumers

The Consumers’ Eye Association’s Wishes for Consumers

"Consumers must have strong laws to protect them, as their rights are often violated."

  1. The Consumers’ Eye Association (CEA) hopes that two of the government’s promises for consumer protection will become a reality early in 2026. The new laws governing consumer rights need to be enacted as soon as possible for two main reasons:

    • The existing laws date back to the 1990s and do not effectively protect consumers in today’s context.
    • Consumers truly need robust laws to safeguard their interests, as their rights are frequently overlooked, and they often end up as the losers. After the holiday season, consumer complaints will increase, and many will be disappointed by flimsy excuses from certain retailers, due to outdated and archaic laws.

  2. The appointment of an Ombudsperson for health services has been a request from the CEA prior to the last budget. Although the government is in favor, it is still pending. The CEA wishes for at least two consumer association members to be included. The CEA often receives complaints about service quality, not on a medical level, but on an administrative one: long waiting lines, lack of information, etc., as well as appointments scheduled at the same time. It is crucial to establish verifiable standards to address these long-standing issues. Effectiveness must be measurable, and adjustments should be made promptly for the well-being of all patients and the efficiency of the service.

  3. Important information from the government should be communicated more frequently in the media and broadcasted on television. It should be clearer so that the public does not feel excluded from decisions that are sometimes of critical importance, as they affect everyone’s daily lives, both individually and collectively.

  4. Ministers and their officials should respond to public inquiries, whether for appointments or information, as this is where the CEA receives the most complaints. The CEA simply asks for better communication, as an informed person is better equipped to handle situations when they arise. The public does not expect their requests to be fulfilled immediately but at least to receive a response. All too often, there is radio silence following a request. At that point, the consumer is left unsure whether to make a new request or consider it a lost cause. A simple email or text message would suffice to notify the consumer.

  5. Certain powers of ministries and local administrations should be delegated to district and village councils so that:

    • Some tasks, such as cleaning vacant lots, can be completed more quickly, as they have become dangerous and ideal hiding spots for drug users and criminals. Local administrations are fully capable of addressing the issue if they receive financial support from the relevant ministry. This requires better coordination.
    • Minor street repairs in villages can be carried out. Too many streets and alleys are filled with potholes, posing dangers to both drivers and pedestrians.

  6. The reintroduction of the points-based driving license is a commendable initiative and deserves our praise for the Minister of Public Transport. It should also be considered to install a camera at every traffic light to penalize significantly those who cross the white line indicating a mandatory stop, as well as those who break the law by continuing despite a red light. This will generate significant revenue for the state and help prevent numerous accidents—two birds with one stone.

I hope our requests will not be seen as excessive or postponed indefinitely. As always, I remain available for discussions with the relevant ministries at the earliest opportunity.

Helping to Resolve Consumer Issues
The Consumers’ Eye Association (CEA) is a consumer rights advocacy organization dedicated to assisting consumers. They can visit the association's website, write to [email protected], [email protected], or contact the association on Facebook. They can also call the following numbers: MyT: 5758 8633; Emtel: 5974 3962; and Chili: 5861 8259. "Do not hesitate to write to us, either by mail or by sending an email, to share your ideas and expectations regarding the quality of service from businesses (details on our website)," says Claude Canabady, Secretary General of the CEA.

BY Claude Canabady,
Secretary General
Consumers’ Eye Association