New hydro power fuels resilient widow’s business plans
December 3, 2025 9:38 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Hilaire Bule.
Joselyn Matan is a well-known figure in the Waterfall community, Pentecost, recognised not only for the taste of her local dishes at Noda Guest House but also for her contribution to community development.
After years of cooking at China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) camps in Larasol, she has taken the next step by opening her own guest house. Noda Guest House, in the Waterfall area, means “our guesthouse,” reflecting a place shared by everyone.
A 43-year-old widow and mother, Matan was contacted on Friday while working in the bush with a chainsaw, cutting trees to build another house that will serve as a kitchen.
“I lost my husband a few months ago, but I am continuing the project we started together. A widow must work hard for the survival of her family. We began with only one local house, but I want to expand and build more guest houses,” she said.
Matan said electrification works in the Waterfall area are underway and should be completed next week, with electricity expected to reach homes next month.
She added that she plans to expand into other businesses, including buying a deep freezer to sell local fish and imported chicken.
“We have a good stock of red poulet on Pentecost, and this is an opportunity to start a fish market and encourage people to buy fresh fish instead of canned fish. With hydro power, we can preserve fish and beef, which was not possible before electrification. Today’s catch can now be stored safely,” she said.
Matan said the introduction of hydro power, the tar-sealed road, and the improved water system could advance development on Pentecost.
“It would be disappointing if the government provides services and the people do not use them. Pentecost is currently the only island in Vanuatu with five hydro power projects, two in the north and three in the central area,” she said.
The hydro power projects at Nambarangiut in the north, and Waterfall and Laringmat in central Pentecost, are expected to supply electricity before Christmas. Melsisi, also in central Pentecost, is expected to begin operation in January next year.
Matan urged residents to take advantage of electrification to develop their businesses.
“As a woman, if I can embark on the guest house business, others can also pursue their own ventures,” she said.
She was recently invited by the United Nations Development Programme in Port Vila to speak at Warwick Le Lagon on the impact of hydro power on women in Pentecost. One key point of her talk was the benefit of electricity for widows and people with disabilities, enabling them to have light in their homes.
