New Vanuatu-Australia Infrastructure programme to build safer, all-weather roads across islands
November 24, 2024 10:28 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The new Vanuatu-Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) programme has officially kicked off, bringing together the governments of Vanuatu and Australia to build safer, stronger, and more resilient infrastructure across the islands.
This week, representatives from the Australian High Commission (AHC) infrastructure team joined colleagues from Vanuatu’s Public Works Department (PWD) and the VAI4D programme team on a visit to Nguna Island to meet with Chiefs and community members to discuss and assess progress of a new, Australian-funded high impact road project connecting Udapua village and Maliliu village on Nguna’s east coast.
The new road will improve safe access for students attending Nguna’s schools in Malaliu and Taloa, and for community members needing health care at the health centre in Malaliu. The agriculture and tourism sectors will also benefit with improved options for transportation of produce to markets and access to the island’s two dormant volcano craters, allowing tourists and tour operators faster and easier access to the popular sites.
The project was established under Australia’s predecessor road support programme, Roads for Development. It will deliver an all-weather, climate resilient road, constructed by local contractors.
The Australian High Commission’s First Secretary Infrastructure, Mr. Paul Regnault, said the new VAI4D programme will deliver better roads, and a more-connected Vanuatu — creating new job opportunities, supporting local businesses, and putting community needs first.
“Australia has been a close infrastructure partner to Vanuatu since before Independence,” he said.
“We want to build on this legacy and continue to deliver critical improvements to Vanuatu’s road network that includes building safer, all-weather, climate-resilient roads.
“We will also continue our long-term support of PWD to manage and maintain the road network, particularly in rural, remote areas.”
The Nguna road improvement project will be built in two stages over two contract packages, linking the two communities. The first stage has commenced with works being delivered by Kellen Construction starting at Udapua. Stage two is currently under procurement. The full project will be completed in 2025.
The new VAI4D program will go beyond roads, extending infrastructure support to key transport sub-sectors like maritime and aviation, where collaboration with the Department of Ports and Harbours and the Civil Aviation Authority will further enhance Vanuatu’s infrastructure resilience.
