AN academic has called on the three MPs from Temotu Province to work together and address pressing development issues in the province.
University of South Pacific lecturer Dr Jack Maebuta made the call on Friday.
The three Temotu MPs are Commins Mewa (Temotu Nende), Freda Tuki Soria (Temotu Vatud) and Duddley Kopu (Temotu Pele).
They all held ministerial positions in the Sogavare-led government.
Dr Maebuta said the development challenges facing Temotu need strong political will to tackle.
Some of these development proposals are the Vanuatu trade link, construction of the third international sea port at Lata and other development aspirations.
One of the issues are tsunami rehabilitation program and these MPs need to work closely with Temotu provincial government to ensure this program meet its intended purpose for the victims.
“I’m one of the victims of this deadly Tsunami on 6th February 2013 and our national leaders need to prioritise this rehabilitation project,” Dr Maebuta said.
“It is now two years on, but the victims still live under temporary shelters.
“These three MPs were in the Cabinet and they must keep a close eye on how the rehabilitation is carried out to ensure victims benefit.”
Dr Maebuta said Temotu provincial government is also responsible for monitoring these programmes.
By ELLIOT DAWEA