VANGO calls for transparency, community access to MP funds

Jun 30, 2025 | News | 0

The Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO) is focusing its advocacy on strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) systems across the country. This shift is informed by consultations and the development of the Citizens Budget Guide for the Government’s 2024 budget.

At a workshop held yesterday on Iririki Island, VANGO brought together a broad range of civil society groups—including chiefs, pastors, women, youth, and community organisations—for dialogue and learning. The session aimed to improve understanding of public finance systems, particularly through the Citizen Budget Guide released last year, which simplifies the government’s 2024 budget for wider public use.

VANGO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shirley Abraham said the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to educate rural and urban communities on how public funds are allocated. “The guide contains recommendations and details on how funds are distributed across ministries,” she said. “We worked with financial institutions to develop it, and we’re now using it to help communities better understand public finance.”

Abraham noted that participants contributed to seven key recommendations for improving PFM in Vanuatu. “One of the main points raised was the need for stronger financial management systems,” she said. “Public finance is often viewed as something that belongs solely to government, but communities believe they should also have visibility and input.”

One of the strongest contributions came from Alice Kaloran, founder of the Tongoa Shepherds Women’s Association, who said her network—spanning more than 3,000 women across Efate and the Shepherd Islands—has never accessed domestic funding. “We’ve always turned to donors overseas,” she said. “We hear about allocations for Members of Parliament (MPs), but is there a way for local organisations like ours to tap into that support?”

She called on government to consider allocating a share of MP funds to grassroots groups working towards national development priorities. “If MPs are serious about achieving the goals of the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), then working with community organisations should be part of their strategy,” Kaloran said.

Mr. Willie Toama from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management received the recommendations on behalf of Minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou. He spoke of recent PFM reforms already in place. “Public financial management is key to a government that delivers,” he said. “We’ve modernised the Public Finance Act, rolled out the SmartStream system, established a Central Tenders Board, and improved auditing and oversight.”

Toama added that government is implementing a reform roadmap through to 2030, including improved expenditure controls, capacity building, and increased citizen engagement in budgeting. Procurement and payroll systems are also being digitised to reduce inefficiencies.

Abraham pointed out that despite these reforms, many citizens still do not have access to key documents such as audit reports or spending summaries. “That’s why we’re recommending that the Citizen Budget Guide be produced annually so people can better understand where public money goes,” she said.

Pastor Peter Ray of the Presbyterian Church, representing the Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC), supported the initiative and described it as a way to bring civil society together in shaping clear proposals for government.

Kaloran closed by urging the government to simplify access to local funds. “We’ve met donor requirements overseas, but we still can’t access support from our own institutions. The application

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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