East Pentecost petitions for Laringmat pico-hydro extension

March 30, 2026 11:40 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Communities in East Pentecost have called for an extension of the Laringmat pico-hydro power network following the recent official commissioning of the project.

After more than two hours of walking from Manvis to Laringmat on the east coast of the island last Wednesday, Member of Parliament (MP) for Pentecost Maty Phen Lange, President of the PENAMA Provincial Government Council (PPGC) Charlot Tabigerian, Director of the Department of Energy (DoE) Mathew Tasale, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Project Coordinator Imran Khan arrived at the project site.

The visit brought joy to the community, but the day turned sombre following the sudden death of a Year 12 student from Melsisi Secondary School, originally from Laringmat.

As a mark of respect, the delegation visited the grieving family and presented two Pentecost red mats. Community activities, including custom dances, were cancelled.

Only brief speeches were allowed during the commissioning and official opening of the hydro power project by MP Lange and Mr. Tabigerian.

MP Lange said the people of Laringmat and other communities in East Pentecost with access to electricity are fortunate compared to islands without access to renewable energy.

“This project is not only for the people of Laringmat and East Pentecost but for the people of Vanuatu. It is located in an isolated area, but others from different islands can benefit if they have the opportunity to come here,” he said.

President Tabigerian thanked the UNDP and the Government and people of Japan for their financial support to PENAMA Province.

He said the support would help the country meet its People’s Plan 2030 target of access to renewable energy for all.

He also called on the people of Laringmat to take care of and maintain the project.

Mr. Tasale used the occasion to encourage people in East Pentecost to engage in business activities to meet their monthly electricity costs.

He said the area is rich in kava production but encouraged diversification into other income sources, including value-added products, now that 24-hour electricity is available.

At the end of the ceremony, a petition was presented to MP Lange and Mr. Tabigerian seeking an extension of the electricity distribution network to Vanmwel and Enkul. The petition was handed over by former PENAMA councillor Nelson Tabi, who said the network has reached Levetlis and Tsingbwege School but should be extended further to the Leto area.

Mr. Khan said it was a privilege to join the people of Laringmat to mark the launch of the pico-hydro power station, describing it as the result of strong partnership and shared commitment.

“I thank the Government of Vanuatu, particularly the Ministry of Climate Change and the Department of Energy, for their leadership and dedication to this project,” he said. “This achievement reflects clear vision and strong collaboration. I have visited Pentecost several times, and seeing this project completed brings pride and a sense of fulfilment.”

Mr. Khan also conveyed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for supporting the project and improving livelihoods through hydro power.

“We are proud of this partnership and the results it delivers to communities across Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Samoa, and Vanuatu,” he said.

The UNDP Project Coordinator acknowledged other partners involved in the Laringmat hydro project, including Vanuatu Green Transformation (VGET) and Enco Private Limited of Sri Lanka.

“You have respected kastom, adapted to local life, and worked closely with communities. We value this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration, including the fourth pico-hydro power station in Nabarangiut,” he said.

Mr. Khan said the VGET initiative goes beyond infrastructure.

The project has created more than 20 green jobs, trained 12 government officers, and built long-term capacity within communities to operate and maintain the systems.

He said women and youth are actively involved, supporting inclusive and sustainable development.

“I previously visited Pentecost during the presentation of certificates in electrotechnology under this project,” he said.

“Hearing about 23 young people graduating as electricians, and seeing some now working on house wiring and installations, is encouraging.

“This is what a sustainable project looks like—skills, jobs, and ownership remaining in the community.”

Khan added that the handover of sewing machines under the project’s green energy skills training is already producing results.

“Soon we will see garments, handicrafts, and other products powered by clean energy and driven by the strength of Pentecost women entrepreneurs,” he said.

Mr. Khan said the changes are visible and meaningful for communities.

He added that he is proud to work with an organisation delivering outcomes where climate action supports livelihoods, gender equality, and community resilience.