Members of Parliament have questioned the Government on major national issues during oral question time at the opening of Parliament’s second ordinary session for 2026 on Thursday.
The questions covered funding for Pekoa International Airport, the ongoing teachers’ strike, constitutional amendments, the investigation into the MV Matui tragedy and preparations for the effects of El Niño.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat responded to the questions, outlining the Government’s position and planned actions.
Government Reviews Pekoa Airport Funding
Santo MP William Franklyn Ezra sought clarification on the VT3 billion originally allocated for Pekoa International Airport, which he understood had been redirected to other government projects.
He asked whether the funding would be returned to the airport project, whether it remained in the national budget and when work could begin.
Prime Minister Napat said the Government had allocated VT3 billion for Pekoa Airport over the past three years, but the funding had not been used.
He explained that a detailed assessment was needed to establish the actual cost and requirements of the proposed airport upgrade.
“We have been saying that it is an upgrade for Pekoa Airport, but we need to determine whether that will meet the demand and the needs of the airport.”
The Prime Minister said the Government intended to provide more details through a supplementary budget next year, covering plans for Pekoa, Bauerfield and Whitegrass airports.
He said Pekoa remained a high priority, particularly as tourism flights increased and aviation connectivity continued to be an important part of economic development.
The Government was looking at raising approximately VT10 billion for work across the three airports.
Government Says School Examinations Will Continue
Malo and Aore MP Liki Allan Molvoke asked whether schools affected by the teachers’ strike would remain closed until the end of the year, noting that many teachers in Malo were members of the union.
Mr Napat acknowledged that many teachers were participating in the strike, but said the Government would not allow the education programme to stop, particularly with examinations approaching.
“The schools must continue to progress. We cannot stop because examinations are coming up, and the Ministry of Education is doing everything possible to facilitate smooth examinations.”
He said the matter before the courts should be allowed to proceed, with the court making the final determination.
Government to Appeal Constitutional Amendment Ruling
Malekula MP Hyrmak Anatole asked what steps the Government would take following a Supreme Court ruling that two constitutional amendments concerning the Public Service Commission and Electoral Commission were unconstitutional.
He said the amendments could not simply remain unresolved and that the public needed clarification on the next stage.
Prime Minister Napat said the judgment indicated that a referendum was required. He questioned the connection between the proposed changes to the appointment of commission members and their impact on the parliamentary system.
The Prime Minister said the Government would appeal the case to seek further clarification.
He said the Court of Appeal’s decision would help guide the Government on the legal process and whether a referendum could be pursued before the matter returned to Parliament.
Independent Investigation Planned into MV Matui Tragedy
Ambae MP Aru Howard raised concerns over the sinking of MV Matui on 11 September, which resulted in multiple deaths.
He asked for an update on the investigation and whether the Government had considered compensation for affected families.
Prime Minister Napat said his office had received an investigation report but was not satisfied with it because it involved personnel from the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA).
He said he wanted an investigation conducted by a fully independent team to avoid any conflict of interest.
“My office has received a report, but I am not satisfied with it because it involves people from VMSA. I want a completely independent investigative team.”
The Prime Minister said his office had sought approval from VMSA to appoint an independent team, as the authority’s legislation required its approval before another investigation could proceed when a complaint had been referred to police.
He confirmed that clearance had now been received and his office was looking at appointing the independent investigators.
On compensation, Mr Napat said the Government could not provide a clear position until the court determined responsibility and whether compensation was payable.
He added that VMSA had lodged a complaint relating to manslaughter, which would proceed through its own legal process.
Government Outlines El Niño Water Response
Shepherds Outer Islands MP John William Timakata asked what plans were in place to support communities facing water shortages as a result of El Niño.
He referred to reports from area administrators in Matasso, Makira, Buninga, Tongariki and Emae, where communities were already experiencing effects on their water supplies.
Prime Minister Napat said the Council of Ministers received regular briefings from the National Disaster Committee and that decisions were being made through the established disaster management process.
He said VT60 million had been allocated to different provinces to address water-related issues.
The Prime Minister also outlined a proposed arrangement involving the vessel Helper 1, which has a desalination system on board. Under the plan, the vessel would provide desalinated water to smaller islands in the Shepherds group while also undertaking search-and-rescue responsibilities.
He said the proposed arrangement would be covered by a memorandum of agreement valued at VT10 million.
VT10 Million Allocated to Each Province for El Niño Assessment
Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu provided further details on the Government’s provincial response.
He said that on 1 October, the Council of Ministers approved VT10 million for each province to assess the effects of El Niño, identify affected communities, record requests and determine what assistance was needed.
Mr Regenvanu said provincial disaster and climate change committees had been carrying out assessments and responding to requests from communities.
He said preliminary assessments had already identified some of the needs, allowing responses to begin in certain areas.
The Minister said the work was being carried out in line with the national water, sanitation and hygiene response plan.
