Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat has expressed his deep frustration with the protracted processes surrounding the access to donor funds essential for the country’s recovery and development. He has stated that these delays not only hinder effective recovery efforts but also impact progress in various sectors significantly.
In his remarks, PM Napat emphasized the necessity for donors to adopt a more streamlined approach that aligns with Vanuatu’s operational procedures, warning that if such agreements are not reached, donors might as well withdraw their support. “I will simply tell them that they must agree to do it our way—one that is feasible and efficient—so the funds can be utilized quickly. If they insist on prolonging the process, they can take their money back to their country,” he stated.
The challenges posed by differing regulations from various donors complicate the funding disbursement process. Napat has expressed the need for an integrated framework that would enhance accountability and transparency, coordinating donor regulations with national standards. “One of the difficulties in streamlining our process is dealing with donor regulations. However, their processes must be integrated with ours so we can use the funds efficiently and transparently,” he explained.
In a move to improve oversight during recovery initiatives, Napat has appointed Members of Parliament Fred Samuel and Jackson Lessa to the national recovery team, ensuring that decisions made are consistent with the nation’s priorities. He also articulated concerns regarding the quality of reports from officials managing these recovery efforts, noting his dissatisfaction with their findings.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government would retain ultimate authority over how the funds are utilized, marking a commitment to ensure that resources are directed towards areas of greatest need.
This renewed commitment points towards a more proactive approach from the Vanuatu government to enhance recovery efforts and collaborative relationships with international partners. There is hope that by addressing these bureaucratic delays, Vanuatu will move closer to achieving the stability and development it seeks, particularly in the face of recent challenges including natural disasters and economic setbacks. This persistence reflects a broader optimism for sustainable progress in the region as Vanuatu navigates its path towards recovery.
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