People living in one of the most remote parts of Epi Island received voter rights awareness last week.
In the far south of Epi, in a village called Nalema, people face many challenges, especially with access to government services.
Last week, a voters’ motivation awareness team made up of the Right to Information Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Youth Council and Transparency Vanuatu visited the area to share awareness so people can understand the rights and responsibilities they have as voters, how the government works, and the importance of choosing a responsible leader.
The Chairman of the Ward Council in the Nalema community, John Pakoa, thanked the team for the awareness and shared his concern about many development promises made to the area that have not been fulfilled.
“At times we only hear many developments, but they come and then stop. So we thought maybe the government doesn’t recognize us, but we say thank you that we are also part of the developments we want, but many times we don’t receive it. So this road is good so we can see clearly the AA and everything,” he said.
A mother from the area, Norsie, thanked the team and shared her concern about road access, which would help them transport their market produce to the Port Vila Market.
“I want a good road. We talk about this for a long time but nothing has improved, and in the market we can’t sell to Vila because of poor transportation and everything. Our food, our watermelons, are just here. We want to sell in the market but we don’t know where or how to get there,” she said.
However, Mr. Pakoa said youths and people in the community must wake up and do something to capture the attention of the government so it can help them.
“Our youths must stand up strong, not sleep a lot in the community. Our mindset must be strong so the government will see and recognize this, so help will come and the community can achieve something.”
The Nalema area in South Epi has its own polling station with a rough population of more than 300 people living there.
