Seventeen resolutions have been adopted following the Port Vila City People’s Forum, where representatives from the municipality’s five wards came together to discuss community priorities and development needs.
The forum brought together chiefs, youth representatives, women, churches, businesses and people living with disabilities to share their views on what should be included in the new Port Vila City Council Strategic Plan for the next four years.
During the discussions, participants raised a range of issues affecting their communities and identified priority areas they believe the council should address.
The discussions resulted in 17 resolutions that will help guide efforts to tackle challenges and meet the needs of communities across the municipality.
Acting Clerk of the Port Vila City Council, Ettienne Ravo, said the resolutions will play a central role in developing the council’s new strategic roadmap.
“The next stage is for us to return to the communities and wards to discuss these resolutions with residents. They will identify the activities they want implemented under each resolution, and from there we will compile the information into a Strategic Plan for the next three to four years,” Mr Ravo said.
“We will then take the document back to the people for their feedback and final input. Once communities agree with the plan, it will be consolidated and presented as the new roadmap for Port Vila from 2026 to 2030.”
Mr Ravo said the resolutions will now be taken back to the wards for further consultation to ensure the final Strategic Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of Port Vila residents.
He described the forum as an important step in giving communities a stronger voice in shaping the future direction of the municipality.
Chairman of the Anamburu Ward Council of Chiefs, Chief Alick Valeros, welcomed the initiative, saying it was important for council plans to reflect the interests of people living across all five wards.
“This is a very good forum because over the years we have never had an opportunity like this where representatives from all wards can come together to raise issues and concerns affecting their communities in Port Vila,” Chief Valeros said.
Participants at the forum stressed that future council projects and policies should be driven by community priorities and ensure that development benefits all residents of the municipality.
The 17 resolutions will now serve as a foundation for the Port Vila City Council as it prepares its new Strategic Plan, which is expected to guide the municipality’s development over the next four years.
