LocationsDigital Transformation: Tafea Province leading Integrated Service Delivery
March 6, 2024
The new ICT connectivity to improve and further strengthen digital and connectivity needs in the communities of Aneityum, Aniwa, Futuna, North Tanna, and South Erromango.
Tafea, Vanuatu – Village chiefs, community leaders and area council administrators have joined forces to support the people of Tafea’s most remote islands in Vanuatu, with the installation of new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
Tafea Province was one of the areas hardest hit after the twin Tropical Cyclones of Judy and Kevin in 2023, with this new ICT connectivity to improve and further strengthen digital and connectivity needs in the communities of Aneityum, Aniwa, Futuna, North Tanna, and South Erromango.
The project targets five area councils and remote outer islands of Tafea, reaching approximately 15,000 people across 3,500 households. Residents will gain access to essential services like printing national ID cards, obtaining police clearances, and receiving weather updates. This connectivity will also support first responders and empower individuals by facilitating easier access to essential services.
This initiative falls under the Government of Vanuatu’s commitment to ensuring rural and remote communities throughout the country have reliable access to basic government services. This work also supports the Government of Vanuatu’s decentralization ambitions, and its desired goals to leave no one behind and reach the ‘last mile’ communities across the country.
ICT equipment was delivered by plane, and via sea.
Physical geography and dispersed settlement patterns across Vanuatu contribute to high investment costs when undertaking digital connectivity and telecommunications activities, however the return on investment is immeasurable for when it comes to opening the door for these same communities to be connected to government.
This work has been made possible with thanks to support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji and its Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) Recovery Project, instituted on the back of recovery commitments following Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.
Commenting on the ID Recovery Project work, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Deputy Resident Representative, Yemesrach Workie, said:
“Enhancing digital connectivity across Vanuatu demonstrates a novel approach and will ensure that government e-services are available across rural and remote communities. This pilot project, led by the Department of Local Authorities, will bridge the digital gap and ensure equal access for all – an essential component of sustainable development and UNDP’s goal of ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This pilot program paves the way for replicating the model across other remote communities in Vanuatu, significantly improving access to essential services and empowering remote populations.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Donald Wouloseje | Country Coordinator | UNDP Pacific: donald.wouloseje@undp.org
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