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.

WEDNESDAY March 19^th, 2025 – The Government of Vanuatu firmly reaffirms its commitment to international maritime regulations and rejects any allegations that its flag is being used as a safe haven for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

A recent report has claimed that fishing vessels operating under the Vanuatu flag have engaged in illegal activities in Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These allegations fail to recognize the strong regulatory measures and enforcement actions that Vanuatu has already implemented. As a responsible Flag State, Vanuatu maintains strict oversight of its flagged vessels and takes swift action against any non-compliance with international fisheries laws.

Actions Taken by Vanuatu Authorities

Upon learning of the incidents, the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) immediately launched investigations into the vessels in question. The findings resulted in:

• Fines being imposed on vessels that breached regulations in foreign waters.
• Warnings being issued to certain operators, with clear instructions to adhere to strict compliance measures.
• The removal of non-compliant vessels from the Vanuatu registry, ensuring that only law-abiding operators continue to fly our flag.

These actions demonstrate Vanuatu’s zero-tolerance policy towards IUU fishing. No vessel, regardless of ownership, will be permitted to operate under the Vanuatu flag if found in violation of international maritime laws.

Strengthening Vanuatu’s Regulatory Framework

To further enhance its oversight, Vanuatu has implemented additional compliance measures, including:

• Mandatory disclosure of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs): All vessels seeking registration under the Vanuatu flag must fully disclose their ownership details.
• Daily Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Transshipment Reporting: Effective April 1, 2025, all fishing vessels under the Vanuatu flag must report their VMS and transshipment activities daily to VISR.
• Strict enforcement of international fisheries regulations: Any vessel that fails to comply with reporting requirements or is involved in illegal activities will be immediately deregistered.

Vanuatu’s ongoing collaboration with regional and international partners ensures that all vessels under its flag adhere to the highest compliance standards.

A Clear Message to the International Community

Vanuatu will continue to play its role as a responsible maritime nation and work closely with international fisheries organizations, coastal states, and regulatory bodies to combat IUU fishing worldwide.

We urge all stakeholders to recognize the substantial actions taken by the Vanuatu Government in enforcing compliance and maintaining the integrity of our international shipping registry.

Tuesday 18^th March, 2025 – The Office of the Prime Minister reiterates that it expects the highest level of performance from all departments, including statutory bodies under its purview. These include the office of the Citizenship Commission – tasked with the duty of granting citizenship to anyone who meets the criteria.

Following instructions from the Prime Minister on March 11 to cancel the citizenship of an Indian national - Lalit Modi - the Commission has commenced work to establish the facts behind allegations against him.

Citizenship Commission Chairman Charles Maniel, has instituted all due diligence processes following the Prime Minister’s instructions, to ensure that it is adhering to the provisions of the Citizenship Act CAP 112.

The Act requires that the Commission writes to the individual concerned – providing them an opportunity to respond to any allegations laid against them. Once all that have been done, the Commission can then hand down its decision. And in the event the person concerned does not respond adequately or fails to meet any of the requirements under CAP112, the Commission can then proceed to cancel their citizenship. Suffice to say, the decision may be subject to a final recourse to the courts.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has commended the new chairman for acting swiftly on his instructions to establish the facts but also to work within the laws of Vanuatu. He reiterates that the Government will not take such issues lightly and will not hesitate to take firmer decisions if warranted.

The Prime Minister reiterates that under his leadership Vanuatu will not stand idly by while people with some vested interests undermine our sovereignty.