People of Gaua celebrated 31 years of Torba Province with a large delegation from the Torba Provincial Government at the East Gaua Area Council, under the theme “Together for a Resilient and Sustainable Torba.”

The event marked the first time a major provincial delegation, including line government departments and NGOs, gathered at an Area Council to celebrate Torba Day.

In his official speech, Vice President of Torba Provincial Government Council, Hon. Hosia Wosobrig, highlighted achievements in health services.
“Since 2005, Torba has been separated from Luganville. At that time, only 3 people worked in the Torba Health Office, with 7 health facilities, 4 dispensaries, and 3 health centers. The Torba Hospital launched in 2007 and opened in 2012. Doc Mark provided health services, and today we have 10 health facilities and 23 aid posts in Torba communities,” he said.

Torba Provincial Public Health Manager, Hendry Wetur, pointed out during the panel discussion that human resources in health remain a major challenge for Torba, emphasizing the need to push more students into nursing schools.

Secretary General of Torba Provincial Government, Albert Ruddley, noted in his address that the Airport area in Gaua has the potential to become a commercial hub and will be expanded.
“Why we came here is we see the potential in Gaua. The economic hub is already here, and this is the economic center which will be extended and enlarged,” he said.

Residents expressed happiness hearing about Torba’s achievements over the past 30 years and looked forward to more developments aligned with the 2030 National Development Plan.