VT320 million road upgrade transforms Northeast Malekula access
April 27, 2025 9:46 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
A VT320 million investment by the Australian Government is set to reshape the economic and social landscape of north-eastern Malekula through the much-anticipated Norsup–Vao Road Improvement Project. Backed under the Vanuatu-Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) program, the project will bring a 22-kilometre climate-resilient all-weather road, connecting isolated communities with essential services and trade routes.
The Norsup–Vao route, a vital artery for people and products, will now benefit from modern infrastructure designed for resilience and growth. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025, following a tender phase in July. This 12-month initiative will be managed by the Public Works Department (PWD), with technical oversight from VAI4D and financial support from the Australian Government.
“This year we have a new project which will be contracted in July,” said Paul Renault, First Secretary for Infrastructure at the Australian High Commission. “A local contractor will build the 15.5 kilometres of gravel surface from Norsup to Atchin, including reinforced concrete slabs in 10 steep locations to make the route safer and more accessible for vehicles.”
More than just a road, the project is a powerful economic stimulus. By increasing contract values and supporting the growth of small-scale contractors, the initiative offers local businesses better cash flow, stronger skills, and the ability to scale up operations. This effort builds on existing capacity investments made by VAI4D and the Roads for Development Phase 2 (R4D2) initiative.
For local contractors, the financial impact is significant. These opportunities enable them to not only invest in machinery and staff but also grow their role in future infrastructure development, aligning with the long-term goals of the Vanuatu People’s Plan and the Public Road Strategy.
The upgraded road is more than concrete and gravel—it’s a connector of lives and livelihoods. It links mainland communities like Bethel, Walarano, Atchin, and Vao with offshore islands such as Rano, Atchin, Wala, and Vao, and it directly improves access to key transport nodes such as Norsup Airport and Litzlitz Wharf.
Residents will also benefit from easier travel to essential services at Lakatoro, including the MALAMPA Provincial Headquarters and Norsup Hospital.
“This will make access easier to services of government,” Renault added, emphasizing the project’s transformative effect on health access and mobility for thousands.
Despite multiple attempts, Vanuatu Daily Post was unable to obtain comment from the project management team.
