Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat has expressed his frustration regarding the prolonged bureaucratic processes that hinder access to essential donor funds aimed at supporting the country’s recovery and development after recent natural disasters. Speaking candidly, he asserted that delays in fund allocation prevent effective recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and streamlined approach.
PM Napat advocated that donors must adhere to processes that align with Vanuatu’s operational framework, warning that an insistence on rigid rules may lead to the withdrawal of their financial 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.
A significant challenge lies in the differing guidelines set by each donor, which complicate the disbursement of financial assistance. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of integrating donor regulations with national standards to ensure transparency and accountability in using these funds. He emphasized the need for an improved collaboration between the government and its international partners to achieve this goal.
To enhance oversight of recovery initiatives, PM Napat announced the appointment of Members of Parliament Fred Samuel and Jackson Lessa to the national recovery team. This move is intended to ensure that decision-making aligns with Vanuatu’s developmental priorities.
Moreover, concerns have arisen about the adequacy of reports from officials managing recovery efforts, which have not met the Prime Minister’s expectations. He firmly asserted that the government retains ultimate authority over how the funds are allocated and used.
Looking ahead, PM Napat indicated that the government would release a detailed press statement later in the week, outlining a further course of action following discussions with the private sector.
Pivotal to the nation’s resilience, these developments signal a renewed commitment from the Vanuatu government to enhance its recovery efforts and collaborate more effectively with its international partners. Through these initiatives, there is a hopeful outlook for Vanuatu as it strives to rebuild and move toward sustainable development in a post-disaster context.
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