The Right to Information Unit has raised concerns after finding that some Members of Parliament are not visiting the people they represent.

Between October and December last year, the Unit conducted awareness visits across the islands and discovered that in several places, communities reported they had not seen their MPs visit at all.

In an interview with VBTC News, RTI Manager Harold Obed says this is important information the public deserves to know because it directly affects development.

Mr Obed says large amounts of public money pass through Members of Parliament each year and should be used to improve lives at community level.

He says the People’s Development Fund alone is estimated at between VT600 million and VT700 million each year, which should be making a visible difference in communities.

According to him, the lack of MP visits in some areas raises serious questions about representation and accountability.

A Member of Parliament’s entitlement is estimated at around VT13.2 million, including VT5 million in allocation funds, VT6.8 million in responsibility allowance, and VT1.605 million in touring allowance.

Mr Obed is urging people not to rely only on Facebook complaints, but to use the legal channels available under the Right to Information framework.

He says complaint forms are already being distributed so that people can formally report cases where MPs are not visiting or where communities are not seeing assistance.

These complaints can then be submitted to the Ombudsman for investigation.

Mr Obed says this process is part of a stronger coalition to improve governance systems in Vanuatu and ensure public officials remain accountable to the people.

He adds that the Unit is also working on a mobile app to make it easier for the public to access and use these complaint services.