Copyright dailypost
According to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), the project can only begin once the government relocated the Matnakara water source. The Ministry of Lands share the same view as the department, noting that while relocating to Teouma is a possibility, consultations must first take place between the relevant stakeholders. UNELCO, the company managing water distribution to Port Vila and surrounding communities, said that it is unaware of the mini township project. The company explained that Zone 1 of the water zone cannot accommodate any project, and there are certain activities restricted in zones 2 and 3. UNELCO emphasized that the Water Act must be respected, and there must be a study conducted to ensure the project does not contaminate the water source. The company said discussions about relocating the Tagabe water source are ongoing, but it would be a costly undertaking. The Department of Environment said it will not conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment at this stage, as the project is still in its early stages. The SHEFA Provincial Government Council told the Daily Post that it is not aware of the project and was not consulted. John Tonner, the man behind the Future Fund, said they are aware of the existing Water Act. He said works will begin once the government relocates the water source to Teouma. He said the company will soon launch a competition for the name of the new mini township on Efate. The Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat and various ministers joined Mr. Tonner at the ground-breaking ceremony on October 17, marking the first-ever partnership between the government and a private company under the Capital Investment Immigration Program (CIIP).
