VT189.5M Wharf Road Landslide Clearance Project on track
February 4, 2026 10:07 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
The Australian Government-funded Wharf Road landslide clearance project, valued at VT189.5 million (approximately AUD $2.3 million), is progressing on schedule. Authorities confirmed the funding is focused on short-term debris removal and safety protection works rather than full road repairs.
The project follows the 17 December 2024 Port Vila earthquake, which triggered a massive landslide depositing more than 50,000 cubic metres of debris and blocking public access along Wharf Road. The road is a critical national economic and tourism corridor, serving as the main route to the Lapetasi International Wharf and Port Vila’s port operations.
Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Xavier Emmanuel Harry, and Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Max Willis, conducted a joint site visit this week to inspect progress on the recovery works, which began in December 2025.
Minister Harry said the inspection was an important opportunity to review the project on-site, noting that the clearance and protection works are essential for restoring safe access along the corridor.
“Short-term clearance and protection works along Wharf Road are progressing safely and on schedule for this critical infrastructure project supported by the Australian Government,” he said. “Public safety remains our highest priority while the site continues to be closed to public access.”
Officials confirmed that although full-scale work has only been underway for about a month, approximately 10 percent of the project has already been completed. Progress is expected to accelerate through February and March, with authorities aiming to reopen Wharf Road to local traffic by mid-year, depending on weather conditions.
Authorities noted that natural weather events or another major disaster such as a cyclone or earthquake could cause delays. Despite these risks, officials reported satisfaction with the work so far, describing the project as performing well and remaining on track.
The VT189.5 million budget covers emergency works to clear landslide debris, install public warning signage and traffic management systems, and construct protective barriers designed to intercept potential rockfall. Full repair of the road itself is not included in this funding. Government officials confirmed these measures are temporary, aimed at restoring short-term connectivity while long-term disaster-resilient solutions are planned separately.
The clearance project is delivered and supervised by the Vanuatu Public Works Department, with specialist oversight through the Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development program. International geotechnical engineering experts WGA are providing technical advice to assist the department and local contractors JV Entreprise Dinh Van Tu and Ward Brunet Ltd in implementing the works.
High Commissioner Willis said Australia was pleased to support a project that strengthens Vanuatu’s economic recovery, particularly since Wharf Road remains the main port entry point for shipping, trade, and cruise tourism.
“Through the Vanuatu–Australia Partnership, we are proudly supporting the Government of Vanuatu’s priorities to safely reopen Wharf Road for the efficient operation of the Lapetasi International Wharf in Port Vila,” he said.
Planning for longer-term repair and stabilisation of Wharf Road is progressing separately with the Government of Vanuatu in partnership with the Asian Development Bank. Completion of the current short-term works is expected by mid-year, weather permitting, as authorities continue to restore safe access to one of the capital’s most important transport corridors.
