VT1M to demolish part of Port Vila’s main market building

February 18, 2025 12:01 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

The restaurant section of the Port Vila’s main market house damaged in the earthquake is being demolished at a cost of just over VT1 million.

According to the Town Clerk, David Hopa, the actual cost is higher but Brunet Construction has offered a favorable rate.

He said the estimated total cost for repairing and rebuilding the damage to the market is VT16 million, which is included in their submission as part of the recovery projects to the National Recovery Committee (NRC).

This also covers cost for the wastewater treatment plant, estimated at VT4.7 million.

Hopa said that a few development partners have indicated interest in assisting the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) with repairing and rebuilding the market.

He said they have also included the repair costs for the PVCC office building renovation, which is around VT20 million, in their recovery project proposal.

He mentioned that they plan to renovate the building before the earthquake.

Mr. Hopa told the Daily Post that the next buildings to be demolished are likely to include Olympic Hotel, Lolam building, and a part of the Moorings Hotel.

The Vanuatu National Provident Fund is expected to demolish its damaged buildings mid of this month.

The Town Clerk also urged building owners to submit their engineer assessment reports to PVCC.

He confirmed that the route from Moorings Hotel to Bred Bank is expected to be open this week.