Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau has officially launched the new company VANUEX LTD on 7^th February 2023, which will be conducting business/trade through Digital technology. He has pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic outlook is within the same level of Digital transformation.

Most country’s economy are moving towards Digital and Vanuatu is going in the same direction.

The announcement was made along side MP Jessy Luo, MP for Malekula Hon Anatole Hymak and Minister of Agriculture Hon Nako Natuman.

4 billion VT projects to be funded from Chinese funds that were never used. Prime Minister Hon Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau Maau’koro has announced a total of 4 billion projects from the aid money that was never utilised by the previous government. The 2 billion for 2021 will be injected into road projects for Efate and Santo while a further 2 million for 2022 will be go towards the construction of a new school of nursing collage in Santo and up grading health facilities.

The Prime Minister made the announcement after signing off all documentations that were later dispatched to Chinese Embassy last week. When he came into office after his election as PM, he found out that 2 billion Chinese grand for 2021 and another 2 million for 2022 was never put to use. The Prime Minister Maau’koro said it is best to target only two islands and make an impact and move to other islands next. This does not mean the government has ignored other islands completely under this grand. We have 2023 and 2024 still to be utilised and the Public Works will still continue working on our roads.

In keeping with its 100-days plan, the Vanuatu Government is proud to announce significant investments in the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Efate Ring Road and Santo East Coast Road. These critical infrastructure projects are being funded fully from the national budget, and reaffirms the government’s commitment to improving transportation networks, enhancing economic opportunities, and supporting community development.

Santo East Coast Road

Through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), the Government signed the first contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to undertake the Santo East Coast Road Rehabilitation. This significant infrastructure investment is valued at 839,443,368 Vatu and aims to improve road safety, durability, and accessibility for all road users.

The Santo East Coast Road is a critical transportation route that supports local communities, businesses, and economic activities, including agriculture and tourism. This rehabilitation project will focus on enhancing key sections of the road through a range of essential interventions, including:

• Clearing of Roadside Drains – Improving drainage to prevent flooding and road damage
• Cutting of Roadside Trees – Enhancing visibility and road safety
• Double Chip Seal & Single Chip Seal – Strengthening Road surfaces for durability
• Speed Humps Construction – Enhancing traffic control and pedestrian safety
• Guard Rails Installation – Providing additional roadside protection
• Road Signs & Pavement Markings – Ensuring proper guidance and road safety compliance

 The Efate Ring Road

The Government through MIPU also signed a contract with Pierre Brunet Enterprise Generale to undertake the Efate Ring Road Rehabilitation. This significant infrastructure investment is valued at 963,700,000 Vatu – also fully funded by the Government. 

Efate Ring Road is a vital transportation link connecting communities, businesses, and key economic sectors. This project will focus on rehabilitating critical sections of the road through essential interventions, including:

• Double Chip Seal – Enhancing durability for high-traffic areas
• Single Chip Seal – Improving surface quality and resilience
• Pavement Markings – Strengthening road safety and visibility

Government Commitment to Infrastructure Development

Both projects are a testament to the Vanuatu Government’s commitment to enhancing national infrastructure, improving road safety, and supporting sustainable economic growth. By funding these initiatives, the government is ensuring that both roads remain reliable and safe for local communities, businesses, and visitors as well as key transport corridors for agriculture, trade, and rural access, aimed at enhancing resilience and efficiency.

The projects are aligned with the Government’s broader vision of sustainable development and climate resilience, ensuring that road improvements are built to withstand environmental challenges while benefiting future generations.

Minister of Infrastructure and Utilities, Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry stated: “Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of Vanuatu’s economic growth and social progress. By investing in our road networks, we are not only improving mobility but also strengthening access to essential services, markets, and tourism opportunities.”

He says that as Minister responsible for all road networks he appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this critical phase of development.

Construction works are set to commence in April 2025 for both roads with minimal disruption to communities, and will take one year to complete. The expected completion date is April 2026.

FRIDAY 21st March 2025 – The Office of the Prime Minister notes the heightened interest of everyone concerned with the outstanding claims of teachers, which has been outstanding for 18 years under the watchful eyes of a few governments over the years.

We wish to reassure that the Government is fully committed to resolving this matter and calls on all parties concerned, including the Teaching Services Commission to work through the claims and ensure all legitimate claims are sorted once and for all.

The Office of the Prime Minister notes also the exchanges taking place on various social media platforms over this issue.

“There is no need for that. All leaders both past and present were well aware of this issue and everyone involved contributed in some way or another to drag the matter thus far.

“Therefore, no amount of outburst on social media will solve the outstanding claims. Allow the Government and the Ministry of Education to sort this out.

“There is no need for rush - disparaging comments on social media. There is no such thing as ‘piecemeal diversion’ of the issues at hand,” says Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

The Ministry of Education has already issued a separate statement highlighting payments that have already been released into teachers’ accounts in recent months. As such, all over-generalizations are uncalled for.

“The Government will not sidetrack. We will address the issue systematically within the confines of the limited resources the country now has as it tries to manage and manoeuvre itself financially and economically following the disastrous earthquake that has seriously affected our cashflow and our economy since 17th December last year,” says Prime Minister Napat.