At least you have a postal service.
Here it can 6 weeks to go 100km if is is not stolen or "lost".
Courier companies are the way to go here now. Cost more (50 to 100%) but you will get your parcel within 2 days. Even for those in the rural areas like me.
Government departments have a unique knack of screwing thing up. All to the benefit of the private sector.
Phil