Acting Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo says Torba must not be seen as the “last place” in Vanuatu, but as an important part of the Republic with the potential to become a gateway connecting the northern islands with Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Speaking at the opening of Public Service Day 2026 in the Motalava Area Council, Mr Koanapo said the Government wants to change the way people think about Torba and the opportunities available to the province.

“Torba is doing great work, and the Government wants to change the way you think about Torba. Torba is not the last place, the last island or the last thought. Torba is an important part of the Republic of Vanuatu and can become a gateway for our northern islands to connect with Solomon Islands and PNG, as well as with Tafea Province in the south.”

Geography must not limit opportunities

Mr Koanapo said Torba’s geographical location should not determine the opportunities available to its people.

“Geography must not determine our opportunities.”

He said people living in Torba are citizens of the Republic of Vanuatu and deserve equal opportunities.

He said this was also why it was fitting for Public Service Day to be held in Motalava, to recognise public servants working in the province and give attention to their contribution.

Motalava airport moves into design phase

While the proposed Motalava airport was already announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to Motalava earlier this year, Mr Koanapo said the project has now moved to its next stage.

He said the Government approved the contractor’s contract last week to begin the airport design.

The Government is looking forward to the completion of the necessary studies before moving towards construction.

Mr Koanapo said the airport would help accommodate flights and create opportunities for economic development, technology and access to government services.

Road machinery to support Torba

Mr Koanapo also highlighted efforts to improve road conditions in Torba Province.

He said machinery has already arrived in the province and proper training is being organised.

He said the Government will look at bringing the machinery to Motalava in November to support road works.

The road needs highlighted include Motalava, Sola, parts of Vanua Lava and West Vanua Lava.

Budget must be used to achieve results

Mr Koanapo said having a government budget alone does not create development.

“A budget is a means to achieve something.”

He said next year’s budget would be bigger and Torba would also begin to see benefits from it.

He stressed that the responsibility of government must be to become more responsive to the needs of the people.

Three values for public servants

Mr Koanapo also outlined three values he said should guide public servants: integrity, a life of service, and excellence and resilience.

He said public office is a public trust, requiring loyalty, respect for the law and faithful service to the people.

He called on public servants to protect public resources, reject corruption and resist improper influence.

“Public servants must act honestly, even when no one is watching.”

He said the national interest must come before personal interests.

“National interest above personal interest. There is no place for personal games.”

Citizens deserve respect

Mr Koanapo said citizens who come into government offices should be treated with respect, courtesy and fairness.

He reminded public servants that they are part of the machinery of government and their role is to serve the people.

Public service must adapt to change

Mr Koanapo said public servants must demonstrate excellence and resilience when responding to challenges including cyclones, earthquakes and economic uncertainty.

He said the public service must adapt and improve while remaining focused on the people it exists to serve.

Working together for a shared future

Mr Koanapo thanked public servants for their commitment and contribution to the country.

He said Vanuatu is not built through words alone, but through the institutions that exist today and non-government institutions that help fill areas where government cannot reach.

He called for a renewed commitment to national plans so that no island or people are forgotten, and urged everyone to continue working together for a shared future.

Mr Koanapo then officially declared Public Service Day 2026 in the Motalava Area Council open.