Over 20 dormant co-operatives set to be revived across Vanuatu

February 19, 2024 3:17 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Sabrina Tabi.

The Office of the Registrar of Cooperatives and Business Development Services (ORCBDS) under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MoTC), has announced plans to revive over 20 dormant co-operatives throughout Vanuatu this year.

According to Joe Iauko, the Director of the Department of Co-operatives, these co-operatives hold historical significance and are strategically located across various provinces.

”Our aim is to bring these dormant co-operatives back to life, leveraging their historical status and strategic locations to facilitate domestic trade and improve connectivity between islands,” said Iauko.

In an interview with the Vanuatu Daily Post, he revealed that the Department had successfully revived the TAFEA Co-operative, which is now operational.

And following this success, they are currently focused on reviving the Manuapen Co-operative, as well as another dormant co-operative located in East Tanna known as Lauyabang Co-operative.

The Lauyabang Co- operative situated in a densely populated area, has remained dormant since 1987. The Lauyabang community itself is highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly ongoing volcanic activities. Additionally, residents of Lauyabang often had to travel to Lenakel in West Tanna to purchase goods.

Despite this, the Director stated that they are actively working towards its revival, having already conducted a ground-breaking ceremony, with plans underway for its official opening in April of this year.

The revival efforts extend to other provinces as well. As stated by the Director, “In SHEFA Province, our efforts extended to Epi Island, where we focused on reviving three additional co-operatives. The first of these is the Ringtove Co-operative, strategically located in an area frequented by government officers, including the island’s Market House. Plans are in place for its opening in the first week of March.

“Another co-operative targeted for revival is the Yasur Co-operative, situated in the southern part of Epi Island. Residents in this area face challenges accessing essential government services such as banking, often having to travel by boat to Tongoa Island for these services. This alternative is cheaper for them compared to seeking services in Laman Bay, which is located on the same island.”

Lastly, efforts are underway to revive the Tomat Co-operative located in North Epi. This marks the third dormant co-operative slated for revival on the island, as relayed by the Director.

In MALAMPA Province, attention has turned to the revival of the Craig Cove Secondary Co-operative on Ambrym Island, with plans to officially open its doors in April. Additionally, efforts are underway to revive two other co-operatives located in the northwest of Malekula Island, specifically Atchin and Vao. Concurrently, there is a focus on improving facilities at the first-ever co-operative situated in South West Bay, Malekula Island.

Meanwhile, in PENAMA Province, the department is currently engaged in the revival of 6 co-operatives. These include the Three Hands Co-operative and Sutak Co-operative on Pentecost Island, as well as the Buleluna Co-operative on the western side of Ambae Island.

In SANMA Province, initiatives are ongoing to revive the Tiroas Co-operative located at Showground, along with the Maspet Co-operative, which operates as a Producer Co-operative on Malo Island.

In TORBA Province, efforts are being made to revive five dormant co-operatives across various islands, including Ureparapara Island, Gaua Island, Kerepeta on Vanualava Island, and Demtel, also on Vanualava.

According to Director Iauko, the overarching aim of these initiatives is to foster better coordination among the islands, despite their geographical dispersion.

“These revived co-operatives carry historical significance, dating back to the Condominium government of French and British rule, when they played a pivotal role in facilitating trade,” he said.

“The department believes that reviving these co-operatives will stimulate domestic trade, enabling islands to trade amongst themselves or with nearby counterparts, thereby reducing reliance on urban centers such as Port Vila, Lenakel, and Luganville.

“This approach not only addresses connectivity issues but also reduces costs associated with transportation,” added Iauko.

In addition to reviving dormant co-operatives, the department is also actively assessing applications for the establishment of new co-operatives.

Last year, 17 new co-operatives were approved, with an evaluation process in place to ensure community interest and avoid duplication within the same locality.

Moving forward, the Director relayed that the focus remains on providing support to both revived and newly established Co-operatives, facilitating a clear pathway for trade.

Moreover, the department sees co-operatives as a means to provide job opportunities, especially for youth. “We encourage young entrepreneurs to participate in co-operative trainings to learn about starting small businesses and contributing to their communities,” Iauko added.

Co-operatives were first introduced to Vanuatu in 1962 during the New Hebrides era when the country was jointly ruled by the French and British governments.

The Shipping Co-operative, established in 1968 in Port Vila, served as a pioneer in facilitating trade and access to services between islands, laying the groundwork for the current revival efforts.

With the revival of these dormant co-operatives and the establishment of new ones, Vanuatu aims to honor its history while embracing opportunities for economic growth and community development.