Vanuatu National Water Strategy 2008–2018.

The National Water Strategy for the Republic of Vanuatu seeks to steer and direct the efforts of the Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources regarding sustainable development of the water sector. It deals with matters related to finances, human resources, institutions and operations. At the institutional level, the strategy proposes a major change in the role of the Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources from that of service provider to main proponent and facilitator of a new integrated water resource management approach. This will require taking a holistic, integrated, coordinated and decentralised approach, involving collaboration with communities, the private sector and local government stakeholders. Key operational elements of this Strategy are the progressive devolution of responsibility, authority, and resources for water resources management down to provincial government level and community involvement in the planning, management and monitoring of water catchment use.
The vision expressed by this Strategy is sustainable and equitable access to safe water and sanitation for the people of Vanuatu to support improved public health and promote social and economic development. The Strategy identifies seven Strategy Objectives: A clear regulatory framework and roles between Departments established to provide for transparent and accountable regulation and management of water resources; The Department of Geology Mines and Water Resources (DGMWR) adequately structured and has sufficient capacity to deliver on the Strategy; : Infrastructure operated and maintained by the communities with technical and management support from the Provincial Office, private sector partners and the Department; Available water resources and catchments known, managed and protected; All water quality monitored and maintained to meet agreed standards; Appropriate and sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure installed to meet domestic, customary use targets and needs for sustainable economic development; Information and response mechanism in place that allows for mutual information sharing and accountability between government and stakeholders.
The Strategy largely sets out the context of water resources in Vanuatu (socio-economic, legislative, administrative etc.), lays down a Statement of Strategic Direction and details the implementation of the Strategy. The seven Objectives are matched by a description of the current situation, a specification of the strategic direction and definition of targets. A Monitoring and Evaluation Plan will be developed with the aim to ensure the strategy projects and proposed changes are effective and relevant and to provide valuable feedback to be used in implementation. The Monitoring and Evaluation Plan will identify: 1) key performance questions; 2) key information needs and indicators; 3) baseline information requirements, status and responsibilities; 4) data-gathering methods, frequency and responsibility; 5) necessary practical support, resources and responsibilities for information-gathering; 6) necessary practical support for analysis, feedback, and dissemination. Where possible monitoring, review and evaluation should be locally led with support from the Department of Water. Watershed Management Plans should include a mechanism for community evaluation of projects to build capacity in community led planning and implementation. Monitoring and evaluation shall also include a risk assessment. In order to implement the strategy an Implementation Review Team (IRT) is proposed for formation under the proposed DoW structure.