What we do
- Hear appeals and issue determinations on land rent, premiums, compensation and land value
- Determine lease forfeiture and lease interpretation matters
- Register land valuers
- Deliver continuing professional development for registered valuers
MoLNR
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
Office of the Valuer General
An independent office that determines disputes about the value of land.
About the Office
The Office of the Valuer General (OVG) is a statutory body under the Judicial Service Commission.
The Valuer General exercises quasi-judicial functions. Where parties cannot agree on land rent, a lease premium, the terms of an extension, property tax, compensation or the value of improvements to land, the office hears the matter and issues a determination. It also hears and determines applications relating to lease forfeiture and questions of lease interpretation.
Separately, the office safeguards the standard of valuation practice in Vanuatu. It registers land valuers and runs continuing professional development, so that valuations relied on by government, business and landholders are prepared to a consistent professional standard.
Our mission
- To ensure the integrity of valuation of land in Vanuatu.
- To resolve disputes relating to land rentals and values.
- To determine disputes relating to provisions of lease agreements and the Land Leases Act.
- The Valuer General is to oversee that registered valuers and government valuers comply with the Valuers Code of Professional Practice.
- Collect reliable statistical data on land development and property market trends to valuers and other stakeholders.
- Conduct training/awareness in respect to land rentals in terms and lease conditions.
Legislation
The OVG was established by the Valuation of Land Act No. 22 of 2002. Its role and function are stipulated under the Act and:
Acts
- Valuation of Land Act No. 22 of 2002
- Land Valuers Registration Act No. 23 of 2002
- Land Leases (Amended) Act 163
- Land Acquisition Act No. 5 of 1992
Need a valuation certificate?
This office reviews and determines valuation disputes. If you need a valuation certificate to complete a lease transaction, apply through Land Valuation, Department of Lands.
Contact us
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
PMB 9090, George Pompidou Road
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Ministry Cabinet
Department of Lands, Survey & Records
Department of Water Resources
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
Geology & Mines Unit
Manages Vanuatu’s mineral, quarry, petroleum and geothermal resources.
About the Unit
The unit regulates resource extraction so that it contributes to the economy without degrading land, rivers or coastal areas. It enforces the Mining Act, Quarry Act, Petroleum Act and Geothermal Act, monitors quarry operations in provinces and municipalities, and conducts geotechnical testing of quarry sites. Where operators fall short of their obligations, the unit is the authority that acts.
It also carries out geoscience research through its laboratory, monitors coastlines, river channels and sediment discharge at sites across Efate, Santo, Tanna and the northern islands, and maintains national quarry and mineral databases. The unit trains area administrators and quarry foremen, and works with communities on the sustainable management of aggregate resources.
What we do
- Regulate and enforce mining, quarrying, petroleum and geothermal activity
- Monitor quarry operations in provinces and municipalities
- Conduct geoscience research and geotechnical testing
- Monitor coastal, river channel and sediment conditions
- Maintain national quarry and mineral resource data
- Train area administrators and quarry foremen, and support community awareness
To regulate and promote the petroleum, geothermal and mineral resources of Vanuatu to reach a level that contributes sustainably to the economy and social wellbeing for the present and future generations, while minimising environmental impacts of these activities.
A sustainable petroleum, geothermal and mineral resource sector.
Objectives
Enhancement of institutional capacity
- Enhancement of the visibility and confidence in public actions to attract investments through transparent, stable and efficiently enforced legislative and regulatory frameworks, as well as updated and accessible geological statistics
- Improvement of the capacity of the public institutions to fulfil key regulatory, promotional and monitoring roles, and for the formulation, management and implementation of geological resource strategies, plans and programs
- Improvement of capacity for monitoring and evaluation for an equitable and performing development
Development of geo-scientific information systems and evaluation of resource potentials
- Support to the discovery and preliminary evaluation of mineral, geothermal and petroleum resources
- Improvement of accessibility and visibility of Vanuatu’s mineral, geothermal and petroleum potential
Legislation
Acts
- Mining Act
- Quarry Act
- Petroleum Act
- Geothermal Act
Geohazards
Hazard monitoring (seismology, volcanic alert levels and tsunami warnings) is led by the Geohazards Division of the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazards Department.
Contact us
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
PMB 9090, George Pompidou Road
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
Department of Lands, Survey & Records
Apply for leases, register dealings, lodge survey plans and get valuations. Our land records are moving online through VLIMS, starting with a public land map for Greater Port Vila.
VLIMS Land Search
Coming soon
Find a land parcel
Look up a parcel by title number or location on the public land map for Greater Port Vila, with its hazard zones.
- Title number
- Location
- Hazard zones
Personal details are not shown on the public map. Lessee names, mortgages and other registered dealings are available through a formal search of the Land Leases Register, as the Land Leases Act provides: at the Land Records Office counter (VT 1,000 per search).
Powered by VLIMS, the Vanuatu Land Information Management System.
Common transactions
Choose a transaction to see how to apply, which forms you need, the fees and what to bring to the counter. Lease applications follow different steps for urban and rural land.
FeesConfirmed at the Lands counter when you lodge. Fees are set by Ministerial Order and may change with the latest Ministry notice.
Processing timeStandard processing applies. We are working to serve you as efficiently as we can.
FormsDownloadable forms are on the way. We are uploading the latest version of each form. Until then, please collect forms at the Lands counter.
UrbanApplication for a lease Urban land · Planning and Enforcement, then Lease Execution, Survey, Valuation and Registry
How to apply
Stage 1Get approval from the LMPC
- Apply to the LMPC at the Planning and Enforcement section with the urban application form. An incomplete form is returned to you; keep your application number.
- The LMPC decides at its next meeting. You get a letter: approved, deferred (send what is asked for) or refused (with the reason).
- The Minister of Lands signs your LMPC approval letter, which you take to Stage 2.
Stage 2Prepare your documents and register
- Lodge your lease application with your LMPC approval letter at the Lease Execution counter.
- Have a registered surveyor prepare the survey plan, and lodge it with the Land Survey Unit for approval.
- Ask the Valuation section for a valuation certificate (bring the lease title number and property details).
- Apply for Ministerial Consent at the Lease Execution counter (three copies of LR Form 20, signed DOL Form 3 and your clearance receipts).
- Lodge for registration at the Land Registry with the survey plan, valuation certificate and Ministerial Consent; the Registry signs the documents.
- Pay the duties to VFSC and the Land Registry. Your lease is then registered.
Checklist
- Urban application form (Stage 1)
- LMPC approval letter signed by the Minister
- Lease application form, with your LMPC approval letter
- Survey plan by a registered surveyor
- Lease title number and property details, for the valuation
- Three copies of LR Form 20 and a signed DOL Form 3
- Receipts showing no outstanding property tax or land rent
- Every receipt from each step
Forms and fees
- FormUrban application to the LMPCFind in Forms
- FormLease application formFind in Forms
- LR 4LeaseFind in Forms
- LR 20ConsentFind in Forms
- DOL 3DOL Form 3Find in Forms
Each fee is paid at the step it belongs to, and the duties at the end. Keep every receipt.
RuralApplication for a lease Custom land · Planning and Enforcement, then Lease Execution, Survey, Valuation and Registry
How to apply
Stage 1Get approval from the LMPC
- Apply to the LMPC at the Planning and Enforcement section with the rural application form. An incomplete form is returned to you; keep your application number.
- The LMPC decides at its next meeting. An approval comes with the Custom Owner Identification Form.
- Have the form signed by the custom owners and chiefs, and return it to the Planning and Enforcement section.
- The Planning and Enforcement section issues the Negotiator Certificate to your registered negotiator, with your LMPC approval letter for Stage 2.
Stage 2Prepare your documents and register
- Lodge your lease application with your LMPC approval letter at the Lease Execution counter.
- Have a registered surveyor prepare the survey plan, and lodge it with the Land Survey Unit for approval.
- Ask the Valuation section for a valuation certificate (bring the lease title number and property details).
- Apply for Ministerial Consent at the Lease Execution counter (three copies of LR Form 20, signed DOL Form 3 and your clearance receipts).
- Lodge for registration at the Land Registry with the survey plan, valuation certificate and Ministerial Consent; the Registry signs the documents.
- Pay the duties to VFSC and the Land Registry. Your lease is then registered.
Checklist
- Rural application form (Stage 1)
- Custom Owner Identification Form signed by the custom owners and chiefs
- LMPC approval letter and Negotiator Certificate
- Lease application form, with your LMPC approval letter
- Survey plan by a registered surveyor
- Lease title number and property details, for the valuation
- Three copies of LR Form 20 and a signed DOL Form 3
- Receipts showing no outstanding property tax or land rent
- Every receipt from each step
Forms and fees
- FormRural application to the LMPCFind in Forms
- FormCustom Owner Identification FormFind in Forms
- FormLease application formFind in Forms
- LR 4LeaseFind in Forms
- LR 20ConsentFind in Forms
- DOL 3DOL Form 3Find in Forms
Each fee is paid at the step it belongs to, and the duties at the end. Keep every receipt.
Change of lessor’s name Rectification for custom owners · Registry (Land Records)
How to apply
- Gather the documents on the checklist.
- If you are not sure which leases are affected, the Survey Unit can help you find the titles.
- Lodge everything at the Land Records Office counter and pay the fee for each title.
- The Registry corrects the lessor’s name on each lease listed.
Checklist
- Certificate of Recorded Interest in Land (the green certificate)
- Letter from the National Coordinator of the CLMO
- Map or custom boundary stamped by the Court (a Google map is not accepted)
- List of the leases or titles to be rectified
Forms and fees
- FormNo form: bring the documents on the checklist
Transfer of lease Selling or passing a lease to someone else · Lease Execution, then Registry
How to apply
- Apply for Ministerial Consent at the Lease Execution counter: three copies of LR Form 20 and a signed DOL Form 3.
- Settle land rent and property tax, and keep the clearance receipts.
- Complete and sign the transfer (LR Form 11) with the other party.
- Lodge the transfer at the Land Registry and pay the fees and duties.
- Once registered, the new lessee is recorded on the register.
Checklist
- Three copies of LR Form 20 and a signed DOL Form 3
- Signed transfer (LR Form 11)
- Land rent clearance receipt
- Property tax clearance receipts (municipal and provincial council)
- Photo ID of both parties
Mortgage Registering, varying, transferring or discharging a mortgage · Lease Execution, then Registry
How to apply
- Your lender or lawyer prepares the mortgage document on the correct LR form.
- Apply for Ministerial Consent where the dealing needs it (LR Form 20 and DOL Form 3).
- Lodge the signed document at the Land Registry and pay the fee.
- Once registered, the change is noted on the lease register.
Checklist
- Signed mortgage, variation, transfer or discharge
- Lease title number
- LR Form 20 and DOL Form 3, if consent is needed
- Photo ID of the parties
Lease register search Who holds a lease and what is registered against it · Registry (Land Records)
How to apply
- Bring the title number, or the lessee’s name or the location.
- Ask for a search at the Land Records Office counter and pay the fee.
- You receive the search result. A certified copy of a registered document can be ordered at the same time.
Checklist
- Title number, lessee name or location
- Fee for each search (and for any certified copy)
Not sure which transaction you need? Ask at the Lands counter or call +678 33140. All forms are in the Forms list.
Forms
Land Registry (LR) forms under the Land Leases Act, and the Department’s own application forms, grouped by what they are used for. Open a group to see its forms.
Downloads coming soon. We are uploading the latest version of each form. Until then, please collect forms at the Lands office counter in Port Vila.
Lease applications and Department formsLease, LMPC and DOL forms
- FormUrban application to the LMPCStage 1, urban landComing soon
- FormRural application to the LMPCStage 1, rural landComing soon
- FormCustom Owner Identification FormGiven with a rural LMPC approvalComing soon
- FormLease application form (urban or rural)Stage 2, step 1Coming soon
- DOL 3DOL Form 3Used with LR Form 20 for Ministerial ConsentComing soon
Registration, searches and recordsLR Forms 1, 2, 3, 18, 21
- LR 1Application for RegistrationComing soon
- LR 2Application for a Certified Copy of a Register or Filed DocumentSection 20Coming soon
- LR 3Application for Stay of RegistrationSection 28Coming soon
- LR 18Application for Registration of TransmissionSection 84Coming soon
- LR 21Application for Inspection of a RegisterSection 19Coming soon
Leases and Ministerial ConsentLR Forms 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 20
- LR 4LeaseSections 31 and 35Coming soon
- LR 5SubleaseSection 48Coming soon
- LR 6Variation of Conditions of a Lease or SubleaseSection 47Coming soon
- LR 7Consent to SurrenderSection 49Coming soon
- LR 11Transfer of Lease or SubleaseSection 60Coming soon
- LR 20ConsentSections 36, 41(h), 48(2), 56(1)(c) and 57Coming soon
MortgagesLR Forms 8, 9, 10, 12
- LR 8MortgageSection 51Coming soon
- LR 9Variation of Terms of MortgageSection 54Coming soon
- LR 10Discharge of MortgageSection 55Coming soon
- LR 12Transfer of MortgageSection 60Coming soon
Easements and profitsLR Forms 13, 14, 15
- LR 13Grant of EasementSection 67Coming soon
- LR 14Grant of ProfitSection 69Coming soon
- LR 15Release of Easement, Restrictive Agreement or ProfitSection 70Coming soon
Cautions and powers of attorneyLR Forms 16, 17, 19, 22
- LR 19CautionSection 93Coming soon
- LR 22Application for Withdrawal of CautionSection 97Coming soon
- LR 16Power of AttorneySection 82Coming soon
- LR 17Notice of Revocation of a Power of AttorneySection 82Coming soon
Visit or call us
The Survey Unit is in a separate building from the main Lands office.
Survey Unit
Behind the Ministry of Finance, off Kumul Highway, beside Paton Memorial Presbyterian Church, Port Vila
Get directionsOur sections
A land matter moves through our five sections in this order, from the first application to the registered title. Open a section to see what it does.
-
Planning and Enforcement
Manages first land applications, development approvals and compliance before a property reaches leasing or registration.
Related: Urban lease Rural lease
Call +678 33140 and ask for Planning and Enforcement, or visit the Lands office (map).
What this section does
- Processes applications for Negotiator Certificates in rural areas.
- Manages urban and rural lease class applications and change of use requests.
- Coordinates review comments from referral departments, such as Environment, Geology & Mines, Public Works and municipal and provincial planning.
- Enforces subdivision policies, guidelines and land use conditions.
-
Survey
Looks after Vanuatu’s geospatial framework, boundary mapping and geographic data.
Related: Survey plan for a lease Finding titles
Call +678 33140 and ask for Survey, or visit the Survey Unit office off Kumul Highway (map).
What this section does
- Issues survey instructions, checks plans from registered private surveyors and maintains cadastral mapping.
- Carries out official boundary surveys, topographic mapping and site demarcation, including acquisitions for public interest under the Land Acquisition Act [CAP 215].
- Manages spatial data for urban layouts, rural parcels and infrastructure projects.
-
Valuation
Handles property valuations, land rent calculations and statutory property assessments. Disputes over a valuation go to the Office of the Valuer General.
Related: Valuation for a lease
Call +678 33140 and ask for Valuation, or visit the Lands office (map).
What this section does
- Assesses lease premiums, unimproved market values and recurring land rents.
- Prepares land acquisition valuations and compensation assessments for public purposes and government infrastructure, together with the Office of the Valuer General.
-
Lease Execution
Oversees the legal preparation and signing of leases between lessors (custom owners or landlords) and lessees.
Related: Urban lease Rural lease Transfer of lease Mortgage
Call +678 33140 and ask for Lease Execution, or visit the Lands office (map).
What this section does
- Advises on and processes leases (LR Form 4), subleases (LR Form 5), lease variations (LR Form 6) and consents to surrender (LR Form 7).
- Handles Ministerial Consent applications (LR Form 20) needed for transfers, mortgages and other major land dealings.
- Checks signatures, execution requirements and clearances, such as municipal and provincial tax clearance, before registration.
-
Registry (Land Records)
The official registry for all land titles and registered legal interests in Vanuatu.
Related: Lease register search Change of lessor’s name Transfer of lease Forms
Call +678 33140 and ask for Registry, or visit the Land Records Office at the Lands office (map).
What this section does
- Registers completed leases, subleases, transfers, charges, caveats and easements.
- Issues title search printouts and certified true copies, and maintains the land archive and title database.
- Collects most of the Department’s statutory fees.
VLIMS
Land services are moving online
VLIMS, the Vanuatu Land Information Management System, brings the Department’s records and workflows together. The public land map will be free to view. Services that involve registered details or payments will open through the Ministry’s E-Services Portal as they are ready.
One sign-in for all online services
Your E-Services account will work for every VLIMS service that needs a sign-in, from register searches to lease applications.
Go to E-Services Portal- Public land mapComing soonParcels, title numbers and hazard zones for Greater Port Vila. Free to view.Survey and Registry
- Online register searchPlannedA formal search of the Land Leases Register, with the prescribed fee.Registry
- Survey plan lodgementIn developmentRegistered surveyors lodge and track plans online.Survey
- Update your details (KYC)In developmentKeep lessee contact details current for rent notices.Planning and Enforcement
- Track an applicationIn developmentSee where a lodged application is up to.All sections
- Lease applicationsPlannedApply for consent, transfers and new leases online.Lease Execution
- Land rent statementsPlannedView rent owing and past payments.Planning and Enforcement
- Online paymentsPlannedPay fees and land rent without coming to the counter.All sections
Key services and laws
General information
- Forms
- Common transactions and how to apply
- Contact a section
- Office locations and maps
- Latest notices
- Processing timesTo be published
- Practice DirectionsTo be published
Laws and regulations
- Land Leases Act [CAP 163]
- Land Reform Act [CAP 123]
- Custom Land Management Act 2013
- Land Acquisition Act [CAP 215]
- Valuation Act [CAP 288]
- Land Surveyors Act
What’s new
New Ministerial Consent processing fees
From 2 February 2026: VT 5,750 standard, or VT 60,000 for urgent processing within 5 working days while the Minister is in the country.
Elsewhere in the Ministry
Corporate Services Unit
Department of Water Resources
Geology & Mines Unit
Office of the Valuer General
Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources
Corporate Services Unit
Planning, finance, people and technology for the whole Ministry. The Corporate Services Unit keeps the Ministry running, so its departments can serve the public.
Behind every service the Ministry delivers
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is both a public service and a revenue-collecting agency for the Government of Vanuatu. The Corporate Services Unit supports every department and unit in the Ministry through four sections: Policy & Planning; Finance, Projects & Assets; Human Resources; and Information Communication Technology.
The Unit also publishes the Ministry's procurement notices and handles recruitment.
To facilitate the sustainable development of the nation's land, minerals and water resources for the social and economic well-being of the people of Vanuatu.
Planning, Finance and People
Three sections plan the Ministry's work, manage its money and assets, and look after its staff.
Policy & Planning
Improves efficiency and effectiveness through policy and planning.
- Corporate Plan
- Annual Report
- Government projects
- Policy papers
Finance, Projects & Assets
Improves the Ministry's financial management.
- Annual budget
- Revenue
- Outstanding bills
- Asset database
Human Resources
Improves the management of the Ministry's people.
- Recruitment
- Work performance
- Training
- Discipline
- Succession planning
Efate, aerial imagery: Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Section
The Ministry's Digital Backbone
We deliver secure, resilient and modern technology infrastructure, manage the Ministry's critical geospatial and administrative systems, and provide technical support that drives operational excellence across the Ministry.
Strategic Objective
To design, implement and maintain secure enterprise IT infrastructure, modern geospatial databases and automated management systems that empower Ministry personnel, streamline land administration and enhance digital public service delivery.
Key systems we run
- VLIMSVanuatu Land Information Management SystemThe national platform for land records
- GISGeospatial & GISEnterprise GIS servers and the Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB)
- EDMSM-Files Document ManagementSecure, central digital records
- DTSDocument Tracking SystemRouting and tracking of documents and land applications
Core Responsibilities
What the ICT Section does for the Ministry, grouped into three areas.
Land Information & Spatial Systems
- Vanuatu Land Information Management System (VLIMS)
- Developing, maintaining and enhancing the central national platform for land records and administrative data.
- Geospatial Infrastructure & GIS Management
- Hosting enterprise GIS servers, maintaining spatial databases, managing the Digital Cadastral Database (DCDB) and curating authoritative geospatial datasets.
Document & Workflow Management
- M-Files Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)
- Hosting and managing secure, central digital document repositories for efficient retrieval and compliance.
- Document Tracking System (DTS)
- Overseeing the routing and real-time tracking of official Ministry documents and land applications across departments.
Infrastructure, Security & Support
- Network & Server Administration
- Keeping the core network, servers, cloud and on-premise hosts, and the regional Disaster Recovery Centers available.
- User support & Technical Operations
- Helpdesk assistance, workstation troubleshooting, hardware provisioning and system maintenance for Ministry staff.
- Cybersecurity & Data Governance
- Enforcing IT policies, data protection, system backups and access controls to safeguard national land records.
Looking Ahead
The ICT Section is leading the Ministry's move to digital public services.
Launching soon
E-Services Portal
We are building the Ministry's online E-Services Portal. Once launched, citizens, businesses and government partners will be able to access land services, track applications online and deal with the Ministry securely.
Go to E-ServicesDigital Vision 2030
Our roadmap aims to fully digitise the Ministry's workflows, archives and land services by 2030, for a paperless, transparent and accessible public service.
Working with the Ministry
The Corporate Services Unit publishes the Ministry's procurement notices and job vacancies.
Our Team
The people in each section of the Corporate Services Unit.
Unit Management
- Jay HingeExecutive Officer
- Lerissa Gresse ElwolkenExecutive Secretary
- Jeff MalmangrouProject Manager
Finance, Projects & Assets
- Kevin FrancisFinance Manager
- James TabinokRevenue & Enforcement
- Bernadette NimissaFinance Officer
- Anne Lise TevanuFinance Officer
- Jawji KastowAsset Officer
Human Resources
- Cyndia AlbertHuman Resource Manager
- Sonia MatbibiAssistant HR Officer
ICT Section
- Tom NakoICT Manager
- Barnabas HingeSystem Analyst
- Darrell TangalobaniIT Administrator
- Antonio NalauIT User Support
- Jean Martin MaheGIS Cadet
- Richard BillyIT Cadet
A World Bank-supported project of the Government of Vanuatu
Vanuatu Affordable and Resilient Settlements Project (VARS)
Improving community infrastructure, services, and land planning to build safer, more resilient settlements.
Project Management Unit: +678 555 1551 or +678 774 9233 |
Project Videos
VARS Project Background
The Vanuatu Affordable and Resilient Settlements (VARS) Project is a Government of Vanuatu initiative supported by the World Bank. The Project Development Objectives are to improve access to, and resilience of, infrastructure and services in selected new and existing settlements, and strengthen land planning and management for resilient human settlements.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management is the Executing Agency, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MoLNR) is the Implementing Agency, supported by a dedicated Project Management Unit and partner agencies.
The original US$25 million International Development Association grant was supplemented by US$28 million in Additional Financing approved in March 2026. This comprises US$12 million to replenish resources redirected through the Rapid Response Option following the December 2024 earthquake, and US$16 million for expanded activities. US$41 million is allocated to project components.
Project Components
Component 1
Elol Etas Subdivision
Develops Elol Etas Subdivision, providing approximately 130 serviced residential lots to improve access to affordable land. The construction of approximately four (4) Low Cost Model Homes will demonstrate affordable, resilient construction, while the Etas Market and Bus Exchange will support livelihoods, public transport and community access to services.
Component 2
Existing Settlement Upgrades
Upgrades infrastructure in Tokyo, Seaside, Ohlen Mataso and Anamburu. Works include road improvements, pathways and accessible ramps, drainage and flood mitigation, community and street lighting, and waste-management through elevated community trash racks. These investments aim to improve safety, accessibility, living conditions and disaster resilience.
Component 3
MoLNR Institutional Capacity Building
Strengthens institutional capacity through organisational reform, corporate planning, staff development, improved land administration and digital land and revenue-management systems. It also supports a new resilient, accessible and energy-efficient MoLNR headquarters to improve public service delivery and safeguard national land records.
Component 4
Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC)
Allows project funds to be reallocated to support urgent response and recovery following an eligible crisis or emergency. It has no initial funding allocation and can be activated at the Government’s request, subject to World Bank approval and applicable operational and safeguards requirements.
Implementation Arrangements
Institutional and implementation arrangements are shown in Figure 1.
Safeguards Documents
All environmental and social safeguards documents are disclosed to the public.
Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP)
The Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out the measures and actions the Government of Vanuatu has committed to undertake so that VARS meets the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards.
The ESCP specifies responsibilities and timeframes for safeguards instruments, staffing, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and reporting, and forms part of the project’s legal obligations under the Financing Agreement.
Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)
The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) establishes how VARS identifies, assesses and manages environmental and social risks across project activities.
It guides screening, preparation of site-specific safeguards instruments, mitigation, monitoring and implementation responsibilities, consistent with Vanuatu’s requirements and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards.
Component 1 – Elol Etas Subdivision
Component 1 supports affordable and resilient new settlement development through the Elol Etas Subdivision, providing approximately 130 serviced residential lots with roads, drainage, water, electricity and open spaces. It also supports construction of approximately four (4) Low Cost Model Homes to demonstrate affordable, resilient construction, and the Etas Market and Bus Exchange will support livelihoods and access to public transport. The component strengthens planning and systems to guide future settlement development. The following safeguards instruments have been prepared to ensure compliance with the ESMF.
Etas LDDR – Land Due Diligence Report
Documents land ownership, customary landholder consent, negotiated benefits and land-related impacts associated with the subdivision.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
Sets out how stakeholders are informed and consulted, including arrangements for raising and resolving grievances.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Management Plan (ESMP)
Assess the subdivision’s environmental and social risks and specify mitigation measures, responsibilities and monitoring.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Prepared to meet the DEPC environmental approval process and establish environmental protection and monitoring requirements.
Component 2 – Existing Settlement Upgrades
Component 2 provides upgrades to infrastructure in Tokyo, Seaside, Ohlen Mataso and Anamburu through road improvements, drainage, pathways and accessible ramps, community and street lighting, and waste-management measures. These works aim to improve living conditions, safety, accessibility and resilience to flooding. The supporting safeguards instruments are:
Site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs)
Set out measures to manage environmental and social risks during construction and operation, with responsibilities and monitoring requirements.
Site-specific Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs)
Guide stakeholder information, consultation, community liaison and grievance handling.
Ohlen Mataso Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP)
Addresses the relocation of the household affected by works within the road reserve, including assistance and follow-up monitoring.
Ohlen Mataso Land Due Diligence Report (LDDR)
Documents the negotiated acquisition of portions of two leasehold titles for the expanded infiltration basin, including consultation, valuation, agreements and payment requirements before works commence on the acquired land.
To be published once cleared by the World Bank.
Component 3 – MoLNR Institutional Capacity Building
Component 3 strengthens institutional capacity through organisational reform, corporate planning, staff development, and modernisation of land administration and revenue-management systems. It also supports a new resilient, accessible and energy-efficient MoLNR headquarters to improve public service delivery and protect national land records. The supporting safeguards instruments include:
Headquarters Site Demolition ESMP
Sets out environmental and social mitigation and monitoring measures for demolition, including worker and community safety and waste management. The demolition is an associated facility of VARS but is carried out separately, outside the project.
MoLNR Headquarters Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
Guides consultation and information sharing with departments, staff, partner agencies and other stakeholders to inform the new headquarters’ design, including accessibility and public-service needs.
VARS Newsletters
22 issues to date. The two latest are below; every issue is under “All Issues”.
VARS Help Desk
The Help Desk at the Project Management Unit (PMU) is established to receive your calls or email and will help project stakeholders to receive information or register a request for design change or to resolve any concerns that may arise as a result of the project. The PMU records each matter, coordinates responses with relevant agencies or contractors, and tracks follow-up actions and resolution through the Help Desk Register.
The Help Desk is set up to:
- Respond to requests for information or requests for project design change;
- Receive and resolve complaints; and
- Address and resolve grievances in a timely, effective and efficient manner that satisfies all parties involved.
Online
Send the form online
Below
Printable
Download the Help Desk Form
PDF, to print and fill in by hand
Phone
+678 555 1551
or +678 774 9233
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Project Management Unit
Contractor Community Liaison Officers
Complaint forms are also available from the works contractors. Contact the Community Liaison Officer for your site:
Etas Subdivision
Contractor: RSPE
Lovenia Philemon
Community Liaison Officer
518 3680
or
778 6408
rspecommunityliason@gmail.com
Tokyo Settlement
Contractor: CJI
Christian Virameme
Community Liaison Officer
514 1217
or
779 5373
viramemechristian26@gmail.com
Seaside Settlement
Contractor: PBEG
Paul Fred
Community Liaison Officer
591 7719
or
773 0225
p.fred12clo@gmail.com
Ohlen Mataso
Contractor: PBEG
Oscar Joseph
Community Liaison Officer
516 7065
or
716 7065
oscar.matheson10@gmail.com
Anamburu Zone 2
Contractor: PBEG
Rota Jimmy
Community Liaison Officer
549 1746
or
730 0118
rjleitarisong05@gmail.com
Send a Request or Complaint
Use this form to ask a question, request a change to the project design, or raise a complaint or grievance.
- Choose the type of request and describe the problem.
- Answer the other questions that apply, such as when it happened, what was affected, who is involved and your proposed solution.
- Give your name, phone number and home address or location so the Project Management Unit can follow up with you. If you are writing for someone else, add their details too.
Fields marked * must be filled in. Everything you send is treated confidentially by the Project Management Unit.