Port Vila City Council has received a new VT5 million vehicle from Foshan City in China to strengthen traffic management and enforcement of municipal by-laws across the capital.

The vehicle has been donated to the Council’s Law Enforcement Unit following a request by Lady Mayor Jenny Regenvanu and is expected to improve the response of municipal wardens to traffic control, illegal parking and public space enforcement.

The donation was made under the sister-city agreement signed between Port Vila and Foshan City in June 2017.

Chief Executive Officer for Port Vila City Council, Leslie Willie, said the vehicle was provided following a request to strengthen the Council’s compliance work.

“This ceremony is part of the partnership between Foshan City in China and Port Vila under the agreement signed in June 2017. The Agathis Sports Complex was one project delivered through that partnership, and this vehicle is the second request made by the Lady Mayor last year.”

Mr Willie said the Council requested the vehicle to improve the effectiveness of its Law Enforcement Unit.

“The vehicle will help our wardens carry out their duties more effectively and efficiently while ensuring residents comply with municipal regulations.”

The Council said the new vehicle will improve the mobility of municipal wardens as Port Vila continues to grow and demand for enforcement services increases.

Lady Mayor Jenny Regenvanu thanked the leadership and people of Foshan City for responding to the Council’s request and for their continued support of Port Vila.

Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang said the partnership between the two cities reflects the strong relationship between China and Vanuatu.

“Our commitment is there. We don’t just talk the talk—we walk the walk.”

The Council said the vehicle will make a significant difference to the daily operations of its Law Enforcement Unit and further strengthen public safety and order throughout the municipality.