An economic micro-hub was officially launched this week in Emua Village, North Efate.

The program is designed to help authorities bring services closer to communities by creating a central hub for people living in surrounding areas.

The initiative aims to support small businesses, create local jobs, and boost the local economy.

One of the key ideas behind the micro-hub is to reduce the need for communities to spend money traveling long distances to access services.

Morris Amos, Administrator for Shefa Health, said the hub will also host another health facility for Shefa Province, bringing essential medical services closer to the people of North Efate.

“It will host another hospital of Shefa Province, and this is a big win for North Efate. It is aimed at cutting the cost of traveling to Port Vila to seek medical services. We are discussing with families whether the government will buy land or if there will be disputes, or whether we will all agree to move forward. We must prepare to access bigger government services in these smaller areas.”

Prime Minister Jotham Napat thanked community leaders in Emua for their partnership in making the development possible.

He also called on the people of Efate to protect and make good use of the hub.