Torba Province

As of 26 June, Torba was the only province that reported a new case.

One case has been hospitalized.

The ministry said 11,173 cases have been confirmed since 1 January 2022.

A total of 10,963 cases have recovered, 40 in the last 24-hours.

There are currently 194 active cases.

TORBA is currently Covid-free.

The Provincial Agriculture Officer (PAO) for TORBA, Peter Maho said they have short- term and long- term plans to be implemented should there be any community cases in the future.

“The DARD office in Sola, Vanua Lava, has plan to distribute vegetable seeds and vegetable seedling trays to the nine Area Councils (AC) of TORBA province to encourage farmers to continue to plant short- term crops at their backyards as well as long- term crops such as root crops.

The decision was made by the Council of Ministers in its 25th ordinary meeting this month.

Principle Electoral Officer of the Electoral Office, Joe Lati said the Electoral Commission has made the decision and it has been gazetted by State Law.

Lati said the TORBA election budget has been approved and logistics met.

Minister of Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Jay Ngwele presented the Council of Ministers paper where COM also resolved that that MALAMPA Provincial Election and Luganville Municipal Election will take place next year.

Vaccination was carried out at the Provincial Headquarter in Sola, Vanua Lava, with 155 people getting jabbed on the launch day.

72 got jabbed with AstraZeneca and 83 with the Sinopharm vaccine.

The first vaccinated recipients are key government officials and community leaders.

The eligible target population for TORBA Province is 6,000.

   TORBA Youth and Sports Development officer, Alick John said they are preparing for TISSA Games that will be held on 10-14 May at the TORBA Sports Complex in Vanua lava.

“A total of six schools will be competing in athletics (track and field events) and ball games (Volleyball indoor & outdoor; futsal, soccer & netball)”, he added.

The participating schools include; Telhei at Motalava, Losalava at Gaua, Robin school- Torres, Sanlang school at Vureas bay -West Vanua lava and Arep Junior Secondary School (Anglophone and Francophone).

Ituani which means Service Provider in Malo Language was established on Malo Island in 2015.

It expanded to North East Malekula in 2017.

Ituani Centre was setup to take ICT services to the doorsteps of the people living in remote and rural communities.

The Officer in Charge of Ituani Centre in Sola, Jack Sewen confirmed the centre in Sola provides all the ICT services including secretarial service, computer services and training.

He said people in TORBA could not access the services previously.

The tool will help officers efficiently monitor catches compared to the old paper forms.

This E-reporting tool was an initiative of the Pacific Community (SPC) and was funded by the Asian Development Bank in 2015.

It was trialed in five Pacific island countries, including Vanuatu.

The Vanuatu government took over funding of the E-reporting tool in 2018.

The boat was provided following a request from 43 teachers based in the province.

The teachers will now be able to move around with ease and access banking facilities, hospital and other services in the islands.  

The seven-metre boat was purchased at Vt676,000, has a passenger capacity of twelve people. It can also carry light cargo.

The boat was delivered to the TORBA Bulwea executive last weekend.

Director of Public Health, Dr Len Tarivonda confirmed the cases were reported last weekend and the patients have received treatment at the Sola Health Centre.

“The increase in malaria cases is usually expected after a cyclone or when there is heavy rainfall or flooding,” Dr Tarivonda said.

He also reminded people in the northern provinces to always sleep under mosquito nets, use insect repellent, use physical barriers as screens and close doors and windows.

Dr Tarivonda also emphasized the importance of early detection and management of malaria infection.

The training was facilitated by DARD Root Crop Specialist, Tari Molisale.

Participants also covered topics like Food Security, Genetic Erosion, Soil fertility, Climate change impact, Laziness, Importance of Longest and shortest day in Vanuatu, Cropping calendar (crops for short & long day).