Minister Napuat unveils Urban Policy to guide Vanuatu’s new township developments

August 31, 2024 4:22 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, released a comprehensive Urban Policy statement yesterday.

Approved by the Council of Ministers (COM), this document will serve as a guide for future developments, particularly in the context of new townships and urban centres. The strategy is expected to provide a clear framework for all upcoming urban development projects in Vanuatu.

Minister Napuat expressed his satisfaction with the COM’s approval of this national policy, noting its importance in providing the people of Vanuatu, as well as potential investors, with a clear understanding of the Vanuatu Government’s vision for new township and urban development.

The policy outlines key strategies across ten areas aimed at shaping sustainable and resilient urban development. It emphasises urban planning that meets community needs through strategic zoning, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. 

Growth is directed towards urban centres near transport routes, with a focus on accessibility to jobs and services. The policy supports affordable, safe housing, including for vulnerable groups, and stresses the importance of upgrading social and cultural infrastructure. 

Heritage conservation is prioritised, along with social inclusion, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. Sustainable coastal and natural resource management are highlighted, alongside promoting economic prosperity through commercial development and infrastructure enhancement.

Minister Napuat explained the government has started considering new township urban planning because the country’s tax base is currently limited, primarily to Port Vila and Luganville. He noted that while the tax base remains the same, the population continues to grow, increasing the demand for services.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is rolling out the idea of creating new townships and developing urban centres in other provinces to expand the tax base and increase revenue for the government to continue delivering services to the people.

Napuat also shared that the COM has established a task force, chaired by the Minister of Internal Affairs, with the Minister of Lands as vice-chair. The task force includes Directors General (DGs) and a technical team supporting the work entrusted to the Ministries of Lands and Internal Affairs, with assistance from the Ministry of Finance and other agencies. The task force has already met more than twice, focusing on the two proposed new townships—one in Santo at Naoneban and another in Havannah on Efate near Port Vila. More townships are expected to be announced later.

The Minister of Lands and Internal Affairs had led delegations to Santo to engage with custom landowners and visit the new site for township and marina development. The consultation meetings with the provincial authority in SANMA and the custom landowners have been positive, leading to the establishment of a task force in Santo to collaborate with local agencies and align their expectations with the government’s plans.

At the provincial and municipal levels in Santo, coordination efforts are underway, and task force members have received their letters. Meetings will commence soon to discuss expectations and collaborate with the government on the new township development in Naoneban, Sanma.

Minister Napuat noted the significance of this development, noting that Vanuatu has never before had the opportunity to design its own towns. The existing towns in Santo and Luganville were inherited from the colonial era. Now, after 44 years of independence, the people of Vanuatu and the government are determined to create towns based on their own designs and concepts.

A dedicated team from the MoIA, the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, and the Department of Local Authorities is leading this initiative, aligned with the government’s decentralisation policy to develop new towns and urban centres in provinces, down to area councils.

Looking ahead, Minister Napuat stated that following the release of the policy statement, the next step will be for the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, the MoIA, and key stakeholders to develop an Urban Planning Policy Framework. This framework will serve as a guide for future township development.

The government, through the task force led by the MoIA and Lands, is working diligently to attract investments, particularly in township development, to stimulate economic activity, employment, and increased revenue. 

Minister Napuat emphasised the need for a mindset change among the people of Vanuatu, as land will be crucial for the development of new townships. He thanked the custom landowners for their willingness to work with the government in identifying land for acquisition. The Minister also acknowledged the concerns raised by custom landowners regarding their benefits from the township developments. The government is considering a hybrid lease system different from the current one, ensuring that landowners receive long-term benefits, including for future generations.