DOT presents a plaque of recognition to Ambassador Stefanović for the Government of the Republic of Serbia.
Friday, 23 rd October 2026 – Port Vila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday officially launched the Tourism Solar Project on Gaua and on Hui in the Torres Islands, TORBA Province. Funded by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the project has brought solar power to 10 tourist bungalows and homestays on Gaua, Motalava, Rah and Hui.
The delegation was led by Mr Paul Pio, Director of Tourism, and co-led by H.E. Rade Stefanović, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Vanuatu, who was accompanied by the Embassy’s First Secretary. They were joined by Mr Noah Patrick Kouback, Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MTC), and Mr Samson Vilvil Fare, Director General of the Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and Maritime Affairs (MoFOMA).
The systems on Motalava and Rah were soft launched by the Government during PSC Day, the Public Service Commission’s national celebration, held on Motalava and Rah from 6 to 9 October 2026. As the Ambassador was not available at that time, it was decided to hold the official launch with the Government of Serbia on Gaua and Hui, where the other beneficiaries are located.
What the project delivers
The Tourism Solar Project was funded by the Government of the Republic of Serbia under its development cooperation programme with Vanuatu, following a proposal put forward by DOT and the Department of Energy. Each of the 10 accommodation providers received a 2,400W solar power station with lighting, a deep freezer and a smart TV screen. For small operators on some of the most remote islands in the country, this means light for their guests at night, a reliable way to keep fish and local produce fresh, and power for phone charging.
On Gaua, the beneficiaries are Welun, Ruru, Wong Grass and Tammes Bungalows. On Motalava they are Totolag Homestay and Motalava Gateway Lodge, and on Rah they are Dori Lagoon, Rah Fishing Lodge and Rah Paradise Bungalow. Natavoa Bungalow on Hui in the Torres Islands completes the 10.
Official launch on Gaua and Hui
The chiefs and community of Gaua welcomed the delegation with a custom ceremony, and DOT presented a plaque to the Government of the Republic of Serbia in recognition of its support. The delegation then unveiled the project plaque and visited Tammes Bungalow, where the owner showed the new system in use.
Delivered by the Department of Tourism
The project was led and implemented by DOT through its Tourism Investment Division. Project Officer Mr Freddy Obed managed delivery under Principal Investment Officer Mr Mark Kalotap. The work covered procurement, approval of the solar systems by the Department of Energy, shipping of materials from Port Vila to the islands, and installation on the ground, carried through despite weather delays and the difficulty of inter-island transport. The solar systems were supplied locally.
“Our operators in TORBA work hard to welcome visitors on some of the most remote islands in the country, often without power. Today they have lights and refrigeration, and that lets them offer a better product and earn more from tourism. We thank the Government of Serbia for standing with these communities,” said Mr Pio.
Ambassador Stefanović said Serbia wanted its assistance to reach communities directly. “Serbia is not a big country, but we are trying to be a true friend of Vanuatu. We wanted to fund projects that would have an impact on local communities,” he said.
DOT thanks the chiefs, mamas and youth of Gaua for their warm welcome, the TORBA Tourism Office for its work on the ground, and the Government of the Republic of Serbia for its support. Vanuatu and Serbia established diplomatic relations in 2018, and the solar project is among the first bilateral development activities between the 2 countries.
