Port Vila, Vanuatu – Ongoing community profiling efforts led by area administrators are playing a crucial role in helping government officials prioritize services for area councils. These efforts aim to ensure that local development aligns with national planning objectives.

VBTC’s Rani Taviti reports that the Public Service Commission (PSC), along with executive officers from 13 ministries, convened a meeting in Santo to engage with secretary generals, provincial planners from four northern provinces, and administrators from Sanma Province. The discussions focused on identifying challenges and addressing public concerns about service delivery gaps at the community level.

Jean-Yves Bibi, Director of Infnovation and Policy Development at PSC, highlighted a significant challenge in the planning and reporting processes.

“I have observed that the planning timelines of central government ministries and departments differ from those at the provincial level, creating challenges in aligning priorities effectively,” Bibi stated.

As a result, a new resolution has been introduced to restructure planning processes.

“Last week’s meeting passed a resolution to ensure that, starting this year and into the next, the planning process will begin at the area council level before progressing to the provincial and national levels,” he added.

Paul Jamarann, Area Administrator for Big Bay Inland, emphasized the importance of community profiling in streamlining priority identification.

“This week, we compiled the priority needs of Big Bay Inland to ensure ministries capture the main concerns raised by communities. Through community profiling, we integrate these priorities into government planning and corporate strategies,” Jamaran explained.

During the meetings, executive officers presented both long-term and short-term priorities based on input from area administrators and secretary generals. These priorities will guide future planning and implementation efforts to enhance service delivery across communities.