Port Vila, March 03rd 2025. The Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC) through the Fleet & Housing Unit has implemented an increase in government Housing rentals in accordance to Commission Decision No.15 of 3rd September 2024, Decision No.145.
This adjustment aims to support the OPSC in the repair and maintenance of government-owned housing.
The revised rates are based on the following factors;
- Market Value of government-owned housing
- Costs associated with the repair and maintenance of government housing
- Revenue generation needs
The Commission Decision No.145 has overridden the 12% deduction of the housing allowance of civil servants occupying government housing as stipulated in the Public Service Staff Manual (PSSM). Consequently, the housing Allowance of VT30,000 has been reinstated to help tenants afford the difference in the range of rental fees.
The rental prices for government housing are now set according to their market values, as follows:
- 4-bedroom house: VT200, 000 per month
- 3-bedroom house: VT120,000 per month
- 2-bedroom house: VT60,000 per month
- 1 bedroom house: VT40,000 per month
With the revised costings, the OPSC issued notification letters to current tenants of government housing at the end of February.
The Manager of Fleet & Housing Unit, Mr. Ridley Magmui explained that rental fee deductions will be made directly from tenants’ salary accounts once they have agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in the notification letter.
“Once tenants accept the offer stated they will sign the Tenancy Agreement Form, however in the event that the tenant has identified another rent house that he wished to move into we will cease deduction of rental from his salary,” Mr. Magmui stated.
It is important to note that the Government has launched its 100 Days Plan, which focuses on strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Vanuatu’s economic growth. The OPSC is exploring ways to ensure sustainability of its assets as well as generate income.