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Vanuatu Needs VT3.2 Billion a Year to Maintain Road Network

Jamie Brown
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Vanuatu Needs VT3.2 Billion a Year to Maintain Road Network

The Government will need to significantly increase its road maintenance budget if it wants to properly maintain Vanuatu’s road network, according to the Public Works Department.

Officials say maintaining more than 3,000 kilometres of roads across the country requires an estimated VT3.2 billion each year, far above the VT500 million currently allocated annually for road maintenance.

The funding gap was highlighted during a public hearing by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic and Foreign Policy.

Public Works Department Project Manager Junior George said the current maintenance budget is insufficient to meet the growing demands of the country’s road infrastructure.

@vbtcnews

The Government says greater investment in road maintenance will be needed to protect Vanuatu’s expanding road network and ensure roads remain safe and accessible. While road infrastructure remains a key priority in this year’s national budget, maintaining more than 3,000 kilometres of roads will require a significant increase in maintenance funding to preserve existing assets and support long-term development. 📷 Jamie Brown reports.

♬ original sound – VBTC NEWS – VBTC NEWS

Road infrastructure remains one of the Government’s key priorities in this year’s national budget, with investment aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic development.

The condition of Government-managed roads continues to be a major concern raised by communities across the country, with many calling for increased investment to improve accessibility and ensure roads remain safe and reliable.

Prime Minister Napat Heads to Australia to Sign Nakamal Agreement

Brenda Daniel
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Prime Minister Napat Heads to Australia to Sign Nakamal Agreement

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has departed Vanuatu today for Australia, where he is expected to sign the proposed Nakamal Agreement on 29 June.

Public Relations Officer of the Prime Minister office, Kierry Manassah, confirmed to VBTC News that the Prime Minister is travelling with two Cabinet Ministers to formalise the agreement.

Mr Manassah says the Prime Minister is expected to return to Port Vila next Tuesday and will brief the media on the outcome of the visit.

@vbtcnews

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has departed Vanuatu today for Australia, where he is expected to sign the proposed Nakamal Agreement on 29 June. Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kierry Manassah, confirmed to VBTC News that the Prime Minister is travelling with two Cabinet Ministers to formalise the agreement. Mr Manassah says the Prime Minister is expected to return to Port Vila next Tuesday and will brief the media on the outcome of the visit. The visit comes as Australia signals it is open to a broader Pacific-wide security agreement, following a proposal by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale during talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. According to AAP, Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says Australia will continue to be guided by the priorities of Pacific nations and is prepared to pursue a regional security pact if Pacific leaders support the idea. The discussions come amid growing strategic competition in the Pacific. China has also proposed its own security arrangement with Vanuatu through the Namele Agreement, while the Solomon Islands continues to review its existing security pact with China.

♬ original sound – VBTC NEWS – VBTC NEWS

The visit comes as Australia signals it is open to a broader Pacific-wide security agreement, following a proposal by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale during talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

According to AAP, Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says Australia will continue to be guided by the priorities of Pacific nations and is prepared to pursue a regional security pact if Pacific leaders support the idea.

The discussions come amid growing strategic competition in the Pacific.

China has also proposed its own security arrangement with Vanuatu through the Namele Agreement, while the Solomon Islands continues to review its existing security pact with China.

Port Vila To Host Pacific Climate Innovation Forum

Thompson Marango
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Port Vila To Host Pacific Climate Innovation Forum

Representatives from 14 Pacific Island countries will gather in Port Vila from 1 to 3 July for the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate Change and Environment.

The forum, hosted by the Vanuatu Government, V-Lab and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), will bring together climate experts, government officials and stakeholders to discuss solutions to climate change and environmental challenges facing the Pacific.

Organisers say the event will focus on climate resilience, environmental protection and renewable energy, while showcasing innovative approaches already being used across the region.

Chairman of the forum task force, Nelson Kalo, said Pacific countries face many of the same climate and environmental threats and can learn from each other’s experiences.

Across the Pacific, there are innovative solutions already being implemented. This forum will provide an opportunity to showcase those solutions through panel discussions, site visits and presentations, allowing governments and communities to learn from each other and apply successful approaches to their own climate and environmental challenges.”

Kalo said the forum will focus on three main themes: building climate resilience, strengthening environmental management, and promoting renewable energy and a just transition.

“The first focus area is building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change across different sectors. We will also look at environmental protection and management, and finally at renewable energy and a just transition. Many Pacific countries face similar challenges, so solutions that work in one country can often be adapted and applied in another.”

The theme of this year’s forum is Champions of Innovation for a Sustainable and Resilient Future, reflecting the role of Pacific governments, organisations and communities in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

China Datang Corporation Powers Millions Through Smart Energy Network

Patience Mawa
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China Datang Corporation Powers Millions Through Smart Energy Network

One of China’s major energy companies, China Datang Corporation, supplies a large share of electricity and heating services in Beijing and northern regions, supporting millions of people through its integrated energy network.

The company operates across 31 provinces and regions in China, with a total installed power capacity of more than 214 million kilowatts by the end of 2025. It has also remained on the Fortune Global 500 list for 16 consecutive years.

During a recent media visit by CIPCC journalists, participants observed the company’s central control systems, which monitor power stations across the country using advanced digital and smart technologies to ensure stable and reliable energy supply.

A key focus of the company’s operations is renewable energy development, including large-scale wind, solar and energy storage projects aimed at supporting China’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

China Datang Corporation said these investments are part of broader national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen green growth.

The visit highlighted how energy innovation, digital technology and sustainable development are working together to support one of the world’s largest economies.

China National Film Museum Showcases Century of Chinese Cinema

Patience Mawa
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China National Film Museum Showcases Century of Chinese Cinema

The China National Film Museum in Beijing stands as one of the world’s largest film museums, preserving more than 100 years of Chinese cinema history and celebrating storytelling, creativity and entertainment.

The museum takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of Chinese filmmaking, featuring movie posters, costumes, cameras and iconic scenes that highlight the industry’s development from early black-and-white films to modern blockbusters.

It features multiple galleries showcasing how China’s film industry has grown over the decades, attracting global audiences and shaping cultural identity through cinema.

One of the major attractions is a section dedicated to renowned actors and actresses who have helped place Chinese cinema on the world stage.

Among them is Jackie Chan, the internationally known martial arts star whose films such as Rush Hour and Police Story have made him popular worldwide, including in the Pacific.

The museum also highlights the role of film beyond entertainment, showing how cinema serves as a powerful tool to preserve history, share culture and connect people across different regions of the world.

As China continues to invest in its creative industries, the museum stands as a living record of the country’s achievements in film and television.

Lawac and Toko Continue Hangzhou Campaign After Thailand Defeat

Adele Willie
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Lawac and Toko Continue Hangzhou Campaign After Thailand Defeat

Vanuatu beach volleyball pair Sherysyn Toko and Majabelle Lawac are currently competing in Hangzhou, China, as part of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Tour, which runs until next Sunday.

The duo went down 2–1 to Thailand in their latest match but remain in competition as they continue their international campaign in China.

The match is part of a series of high-level fixtures involving teams from across Asia and the Pacific, with athletes competing for ranking points toward Olympic qualification.

Lawac and Toko had earlier recorded a win against Singapore in the same tour, showing strong performance against regional opposition.

Despite the result against Thailand, the pair continue to gain valuable experience against higher-ranked international teams.

The Hangzhou event follows their participation in the AVC Yunyang Open earlier in China, where they faced teams from China, Australia and Singapore.

The ongoing tour is part of the qualification pathway toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where teams are ranked based on international performance and points.

Erakor Youth Football Tournament Marks Shefa Day Celebrations

Adele Willie
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Erakor Youth Football Tournament Marks Shefa Day Celebrations

A community youth football program was held at Erakor Village’s Egis Football Field to mark Shefa Day celebrations and the upcoming 100-year anniversary of Erakor Golden Star Football Club.

The event brought together primary school students from Erakor Bilingual School in a day of football competition aimed at encouraging youth participation in sport and community engagement.

Organisers said the program targeted students from Class 4 to Class 6 as part of efforts to develop young talent through structured community sports activities.

Erakor Bilingual School, which has more than 500 students, selected a group of players to take part in the competition held alongside Shefa Day activities in the village.

Program organisers said football remains one of the most popular sports among children and continues to play an important role in community life.

Vice Chairperson of the Erakor Area Council said the program also supports learning beyond the classroom.

“Physics is about movement. When you run or play football, you are doing physics. Football also involves chemistry and biology, so even on a sports day, children are still learning something,” he said.

The event also forms part of celebrations leading up to the 100-year anniversary of Erakor Golden Star Football Club, which will be marked in December.

“Golden Star was established in 1926, and this year marks 100 years of the club.”

Four teams competed in the tournament, with winners receiving trophies donated by sponsors.

Vanuatu Enters Second Phase of Talks with France Over Mathew & Hunter

Jamie Brown
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Vanuatu Enters Second Phase of Talks with France Over Mathew & Hunter

Vanuatu has entered the second phase of negotiations with France as it continues efforts to reclaim sovereignty over its southern maritime boundary and the islands of Matthew and Hunter.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the negotiations, Johnny Koanapo, departed Vanuatu yesterday for Paris, where three days of talks will begin on 29 June.

Speaking to VBTC News before his departure, Mr Koanapo acknowledged the negotiations would be challenging but said he remains confident Vanuatu can reach an outcome that upholds its claim over the maritime boundary and the two islands.

VBTC News understands the Government considers this second round of negotiations a critical step, with legal action through the world’s highest court remaining an option should the talks fail to produce an acceptable outcome.

Safe Water Closer for Hiu as New 3,000-Litre Tank Installed

Jamie Brown
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Safe Water Closer for Hiu as New 3,000-Litre Tank Installed

Residents and students on Hiu Island are expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water following the handover of a new 3,000-litre rainwater storage tank.

The installation is designed to collect and store rainwater for drinking and cooking, strengthening water security for one of Vanuatu’s northernmost island communities.

The support was delivered through a partnership involving the British High Commission and humanitarian organisation Respond Global during the ongoing Helper-1 outreach mission in Torba Province.

Director of Helper-1 Operations, Dr Basil Leodoro, said several specialist teams are travelling onboard the vessel to provide a range of services to communities across the province.

Dr Leodoro said the mission has included medical care, health outreach activities and civic education programs. He added that the water project at Robin School was made possible through collaboration between Respond Global’s WASH team and Karl Brent, husband of the British High Commissioner.

“We provided medical services, health services and civic education. We also witnessed the handover of a new 3,000-litre water tank for Robin School through Rotary and Karl Brent, who partnered with Respond Global’s WASH team to establish the system.” 

Secretary General of Torba Province, Albert Rudley, welcomed the assistance and said the completed system would provide long-term benefits for both students and surrounding households.

Mr Rudley said the technical expertise provided by the WASH team was crucial in ensuring the tank and water collection system were properly installed and connected.

“Once water is collected and stored, it will provide safe drinking water for the children and nearby communities.” 

The Helper-1 mission continues its visit across islands in Torba Province this week.

Representatives from the British High Commission, Vanuatu National Youth Council, Ombudsman Office, Transparency Vanuatu, along with doctors and nurses, are taking part in outreach activities aimed at supporting communities through a range of essential services.

Torba Waters Now Protected From Foreign Fishing

Mika Albie
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Torba Waters Now Protected From Foreign Fishing

A new Torba Maritime Protected Area has been officially launched, introducing restrictions on international fishing vessels within Torba’s ocean boundaries.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the initiative follows the completion of maritime boundary work between Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, confirming clearer territorial responsibilities between the two countries.

He said while land areas in Torba are small, the province controls a large ocean space that must be protected and managed for future benefit.

“This means international fishing boats are now restricted from entering and fishing in our waters, but it allows Vanuatu fishers, especially those from Torba, to continue accessing these areas.” 

He said the initiative will also support long-term fisheries development and strengthen national benefits from ocean resources.

Napat acknowledged the Torba Provincial Government for pushing the proposal forward and requesting endorsement from the Council of Ministers.

“Bigfala thank you to the Torba Provincial Council. This is the first of its kind in Vanuatu. The Council of Ministers endorsed this request, and I defended it in Port Moresby when we discussed regional marine protection.” 

He added that protecting tuna stocks will directly benefit Torba and the wider country.

“When we protect our tuna stocks, they grow. The biggest benefit will go to Torba Province and also to the national government,” he said.

The protected area is also aimed at strengthening cooperation between Torba and Temotu Province in managing shared maritime interests.

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