VT50 billion for 122 recovery project proposals

The Recovery Operations Center (ROC), under the Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination (DSPPAC), has currently received 122 project proposals with a total cost of 50 billion Vatu. These recovery plans, known as Government Investment Plans (GIPs), were submitted by key sectors impacted by the earthquake, including infrastructure, education, health, and commerce.

Each sector submitted its own GIP, detailing the extent of the damage and the funding required for implementation. Once submitted, all project proposals will undergo review and prioritization. Those projects approved by the National Recovery Committee (NRC) can proceed directly to the implementation phase, provided that funding is secured.

Recovery projects are jointly funded by donor partners and the government. According to the ROC, some proposals have already received funding, while others are still awaiting support. The ROC indicated that some external recovery funds have been received, but they account for less than 50% of the total cost.

The ROC stated that proposals not selected by donor partners can be funded through the government's New Project Proposals (NPPs) and recurrent budgets. In addition to the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society are also funding post-disaster recovery plans for communities. 1.5% of the government's annual budget, allocated for emergency funds, is being used for humanitarian support during the State of Emergency (SoE). The ROC noted that a small remaining portion of these funds can be used, but not for long-term projects.

Meanwhile, the ROC is gradually concluding its operations after more than a month of coordinating and overseeing earthquake recovery efforts. The ROC will continue to coordinate, but operational responsibilities will be transferred to the recovery manager and subcommittees appointed under the new Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act.

"Our main job is to coordinate recovery plans, and once we get approval from the National Recovery Committee, we will follow the normal funding application process according to the recovery plan. Then, we should work with stakeholders to implement the recovery plans," the ROC stated. "We will still monitor the progress of the recovery managers. For example, the Public Works Department must report on the completion of trunk road repairs and whether access to wharves has been fully restored."