The Deputy Director of the Department of Local Authorities has reminded Shefa Province councilors that their primary focus must remain on serving the people.

Michelle Jonas Trief delivered the message during a meeting with 18 newly elected councilors at the Shefa Provincial Headquarters yesterday, where they underwent induction on decentralized services and local governance responsibilities.

Trief emphasized that the Department of Local Authorities works closely with councilors to guide their projects and ensure that initiatives effectively reach communities. “There are steps and guidelines to follow before returning to the communities, and you must be supported in the process,” she said.

Shefa Provincial Government Council Secretary-General Lionel Kaluat said the councilors are expected to implement projects in the best interests of the people of Shefa. He highlighted the importance of understanding their roles and aligning with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) to ensure local projects are successfully executed.

The councilors officially assumed their positions in July and will serve four-year terms. The Department of Local Authorities confirmed that it will continue working closely with provinces across Vanuatu to strengthen service delivery to communities.