Provinces
There are six Provinces in Vanuatu – Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa and Tafea. In 1994, the Government abolished the 11 Local Government Councils (LGC) and reverted to a policy of greater regional autonomy through the creation of the current provincial system. The six Provinces, each covering a group of islands, together with three Municipal Councils. The provinces play a crucial role in local governance and development. They are responsible for implementing national policies at the local level, promoting economic and social development, and ensuring the provision of essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Each province facilitates community engagement, supports respective Area Councils, and manages resources to meet the unique needs of their communities.
Each provinces have a Provincial Government council that is responsible for local governance and administration. Each council consist of elected representatives as councilors and the number of each provinces varies depending on the provinces size and population. Each respective council is headed by a President who is elected by the council members. The president oversees the council meetings and represent the provinces in national matters.
There are five DLA seconded staff serving in each 6 Provinces. The Secretary Generals (SG) are the chief executive officers at the Provincial level and are responsible to administer all Government and Non-government services within each respective Provinces and the day-to-day operations of the Provincial Government Councils (PGC). The office of SG is supported by an Assistant Secretary General, Provincial Planner, Accountant and Treasurer and PGC staff that are recruited by the council.
Province Fact Sheet
|
Name of Provinces |
Flag |
Islands |
Location of Head Quarter |
No. of Councilors |
No. of Area Councils |
Provincial Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Torba |
 |
Banks Islands and Torres Group |
Sola, Vanua Lava |
7 |
9 |
2nd October |
|
Sanma |
 |
Santo, Malo & Aore |
Luganville, Santo |
18 |
11 |
23rd September |
|
Penama |
 |
Pentecost, Ambae & Maewo |
Saratamata, East Ambae |
16 |
10 |
16th September |
|
Malampa |
 |
Malekula, Ambrym & Paama |
Lakatoro, Central Malekula |
21 |
10 |
10th October |
|
Shefa |
 |
Shepherds Islands, Epi, Efate, |
Port Vila, Efate |
17 |
19 |
18th June |
|
Tafea |
 |
Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna, Erromango & Aniwa |
Isangel, West Tanna |
19 |
12 |
8th October |
- The Provincial Anthems can be Downloaded Below.