The Urban Planning Unit under the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning is responsible for all urban planning policies, urban strategies, urban designs and effective implementation of all urban planning policies within all urban centres in Vanuatu. It will also deal with matters concerning Housing and Informal Settlements and work with both Government and Private sector to bring investments in the housing sector.

The unit’s objectives are to improve urban planning policies, improve coordination of declared physical planning areas in collaboration with the Decentralisation Policy and strengthen the implementation of planning practices to achieve prosperous urban centres in Vanuatu.

The Housing and settlement section is a component of the urban planning unit. Since its establishment in 2022, the Housing and Settlement section is responsible for developing and overseeing housing standards, policies and regulations that will guarantee affordable and adequate housing for communities suitable for the country’s climatic conditions and socio-economic environment. The Urban Housing and Informal Settlement Policy will be the first of its kind to provide guidance on the national housing development allowing its implementing bodies to manage and control housing growth in the urban areas and peri-urban areas with the hope of fabricating sustainable communities with better living spaces and housing market suitable for the growing population. In accordance to the NSDP and National Strategic Plans, the National Urban Housing and Informal Settlement Policy is currently under development with the assistance of key stakeholders.

The additional positions that are required for this unit to function effectively are :

• 1

  Principal Urban Planner

  – takes lead in managing the unit and into archiving its goals and objectives. This is a key role to ensure that urban planning documents including designs and policies are in place.
• 2

  Senior Urban Planning Officer

  – role is to formulate and maintain standardize planning legislative frameworks and monitor its implementation throughout the urban centres.
• 3

  Urban Planning Officer

  – assist the Principal Urban Planner and Senior Urban Planner in implementing the Physical Planning Act CAP 193 and other development controls developed by the unit.
• 4

  Senior Housing and Settlement Officer

  – key role is to lead and manage housing and informal settlement matters and establish legislative frameworks, investments and monitor housing and informal settlements within urban areas. This role will also work with private sectors or investors in exploring investments to improve housing in urban areas to cater for its demand.
• 5

  Senior GIS and Mapping Officer

  – This position’s key role is to administer Geographical Information System (GIS) of the Physical Planning Areas (PPAs) and provide mapping support once an area is declared as PPA and urban centre. GIS is an important planning tool required for planners and it is important that this tool is support within the department and continually updated to provide the required planning information.