Introduction:

In the pursuit of fostering a society grounded in respect and equality, PWD, in collaboration with R4D2, organized a meaningful event this year. Recognizing the pivotal role that a safe and respectful home environment plays in the development of our children, PWD aimed to initiate essential conversations through a unique competition.

Competition Success:

The event featured a colour-in and word search competition designed to engage families in important discussions about #Respect, #GenderEquality, and healthy relationships. The response was overwhelming, with participants ranging from 4 to 14 years old. Nine deserving winners emerged, each receiving recognition for their profound understanding of the importance of mutual respect. Congratulations to these bright minds!

#16DaysofActivism2023:

In alignment with its commitment to addressing critical issues, PWD actively participated in the international Campaign of #16DaysofActivism to End Violence Against Women. The reality that 60% of ni-Vanuatu women still face physical and/or sexual violence underscores the urgency for immediate attention and decisive action.

Role of Family in Shaping Values:

PWD emphasizes the significant role that family members play as role models in shaping values and behaviours. Teaching children about respect and fostering healthy relationships at home lays the foundation for a compassionate and considerate society. This initiative aims to create a more caring and tolerant environment for everyone.

MIPU-PWD's Contribution to Women's Development:

MIPU-PWD recognizes and values the contributions of women and girls in the development of the country's infrastructure. Joining this movement is an invitation to all, as we collectively strive to make the world a fair and safe place for everyone. Every individual has a crucial part to play in building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the success of the recent initiatives, it is evident that through collective efforts and a commitment to positive change, we can create a better future for generations to come. PWD remains dedicated to its mission, inviting all to join hands in fostering respect, gender equality, and healthy relationships for a brighter tomorrow.

In a significant stride towards enhancing transportation infrastructure, the Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, recently initiated a comprehensive road upgrade spanning from Santo to Port Olry, extending all the way to Daion (Big Bay Santo).

Honorable Rick Tchamako Mahe, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, along with Acting Director General Henry Warek and a team of skilled technicians from the Department of Public Works, visited the ongoing road upgrade project to assess its progress in early December 2023. The ambitious 11.6 km road upgrade project, a government initiative, is poised to revolutionize connectivity in the region.

The Chief Siriak Tekebu, representing a nearby village, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Public Works Department and the Vanuatu government for undertaking this monumental development. He underscored the far-reaching social and economic advantages, including reduced travel times, improved market accessibility, and enhanced availability of essential services, particularly benefiting children and pregnant women.

The Scope of Works for this transformative project includes four key phases:

1. Clearance
2. Profiling
3. Stockpiling
4. Graveling

This comprehensive initiative was divided into two distinct phases, demonstrating a strategic approach to project execution:

1. The skilled team at Sunshine in Paradise contractor was entrusted with the Clearance and Profiling phases.
2. Force Accounts, specifically Sanma PWD Team 2, expertly managed the Stockpile and Graveling works.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all involved parties, the Public Works Department extends gratitude to the PWD Force Accounts team in Santo for their dedicated contributions. The successful execution of this project marks a positive transformation that will undoubtedly benefit the community.

As we celebrate progress and development, let us recognize the collective effort that went into realizing this transformative change. Together, we pave the way for a brighter and more connected future.

Luganville Santo, Vanuatu – In a stride towards fostering local development, Vanuatu witnesses a transformative journey for small-scale contractors, paving the way for substantial changes in the nation's infrastructure landscape.

Two noteworthy entities, GLA Construction and Bribrian Construction from Santo, stand as exemplars of the positive outcomes resulting from a comprehensive road construction training program initiated and funded by the Australia-Vanuatu Partnership in 2020. Despite lacking prior construction experience, these diligent professionals exhibited unwavering enthusiasm and commitment throughout the three-week training period at the Vanuatu Institute of Technology.

Today, the success stories of GLA Construction and Bribrian Construction resonate, with both securing contracts with the Public Works Department (PWD) in Luganville town by 2023. Their trajectory, marked by resilience and dedication, underscores the effectiveness of the training program in equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Expressing gratitude for the invaluable support received the contractors acknowledge the pivotal role played by the Vanuatu-Australia Partnership in their achievements. With a clear objective of empowering small-scale contractors and enhancing their capacities, the partnership is actively contributing to Vanuatu's overarching development goals.

Looking forward, GLA Construction and Bribrian Construction anticipate continued collaboration with the PWD, aspiring to contribute meaningfully to community well-being through infrastructure enhancement. The success of these contractors serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Vanuatu-Australia Partnership to facilitate the growth of small-scale enterprises in the region.

The Vanuatu-Australia Partnership remains steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future for Vanuatu. The partnership envisions improved infrastructure and climate-resilient roads, aligning with the needs of local communities. This endeavour marks a collective effort to celebrate achievements and anticipate further milestones in the journey towards sustained growth.

Join us in acknowledging and celebrating these achievements, fostering a future marked by progress and resilience.

Sola, Torba Province — Vanuatu proudly announces a significant milestone in its infrastructure development, marking a transformative shift in the economic landscape. 

Recognizing the critical role of the road in stimulating economic development, the people of Torba have long awaited this accomplishment. The improved infrastructure promises to alleviate longstanding transportation challenges, opening new doors for businesses and individuals in the province.

Roger Liniwok, owner of a Bungalow business in Sola, expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government for their investment, stating, "In terms of business, I have seen a big change. The recent road upgrade has notably decreased transportation times for our cargo, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. For example, transportation and collaboration between us and the vehicle owners is smoother that it was”. 

Mr. Liniwok continued, “Consequently, the timely delivery of food and services in the bungalow has improved, contributing to heightened guest satisfaction. These enhancements have helped the business and ensure that we consistently provide goodservice to our guests with the expectation of fair compensation”.

Moreover, the transformative impact of improved transportation infrastructure is not only evident in business operations but also resonates with entrepreneurs like Ricky Matamlele. His testimony reflects a broader trend in the community, where enhanced accessibility has not only facilitated the transportation of goods, as emphasized by Mr. Liniwok, but has also inspired individuals like Mr. Matamlele to diversify their services. The positive outcomes extend beyond mere efficiency, fostering a ripple effect that stimulates economic growth and financial stability for local businesses in Sola.

Mr. Matamlele who is the owner of the first ever taxi in Sola appreciates the positive developments brought about by the road upgrade, noting the expansion of services. He said, "In addition to our ice block business, we decided to purchase a car to help give service to the people. This decision, made just before the pavement was completed, contributed significantly to our financial stability."

Mr. Matamlele further emphasized the impact on community services, stating, "The road upgrade facilitated easier transportation for women to reach the hospital and improved accessibility to the airport. Our red taxi has become an integral part of the community, providing essential services."

In response to the completed road project, several kava bars have emerged along the side of the road, reflecting the newfound economic opportunities generated by the enhanced infrastructure.

The extensive project, spearheaded by local contractors such as Star Peak Construction, Keller Construction, One Stop Engineering Solutions, Yake Construction, Malekula Timber and Construction, and Allubat Ltd T/A (PTH Vanuatu), was strategically designed to enhance the transportation network and foster economic growth in the communities.

The Vanuatu-Australia Partnership played a pivotal role in funding this project, reflecting a longstanding commitment to strengthening the resilient road network in Vanuatu. The partnership aims to increase economic activity and improve services for the people of Vanuatu through sustainable and transformative infrastructure projects.

This successful collaboration stands as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through international partnerships focused on enhancing the well-being and economic prosperity of communities in Vanuatu. As Torba Province celebrates this momentous occasion, the road paves the way for a brighter and more connected future.