The Department of Local Authority has received a significant donation this week as part of the Vanuatu Community-based Climate Resilience Project (VCCRP), under the Department of Climate Change. The donation includes seven fiberglass boats and 37 Starlink satellite internet sets, valued at over VT22 million.
This initiative aims to enhance communication and transportation for the area councils, supporting the government’s decentralization policy and strengthening climate adaptation efforts. Minister responsible for Local Authority, Hon. Andrew Napuat, highlighted that the boats and Starlink sets would improve connectivity and allow for more frequent and effective communication in remote communities.
“The Starlink and fiberglass boats will facilitate better communication, ensuring that adaptation and planning are inclusive, community-driven, and responsive to local needs,” Minister Napuat stated.
The fiberglass boats will be distributed across seven remote area councils, including three to Torba, two to the Santo area council, and one each to Makira/Mataso in Sheperds and Aneityum in Tafea. Meanwhile, the 37 Starlink sets will be provided to 29 area councils in regions such as Torba, Santo/Malo, Maewo, Pentecost, Malampa, five sites in the Sherperd islands, Tanna and Aneityum.
Peter Namak, Managing Director of Pacific Networks Limited, the authorized reseller of Starlink in the country, explained that the satellite system requires only a 300-meter internet coverage and is fully powered by 550 watts solar panel, making it ideal for remote locations.
This Starlink system includes a landline phone that allows area councils to call any government office or ministry using the government VoIP system. It also uses a voucher system that allows communities to purchase for internet access, which generates revenue for the Starlink maintenance.
Louise Nasak, VCCRP Manager, emphasized that this donation is a key step toward helping communities adapt to climate change, providing them with the tools needed for planning, decision-making, and efficient communication between the local and national government levels.
The government plans to continue supporting area councils with further assistance to enhance climate resilience and improve local services.
Monitoring the use of these facilities is currently the responsibility of both DLA and VCCRP. After the VCCRP concludes in 2028, DLA will assume responsibility for monitoring
