Shanghai Construction Group reached toughest Pentecost road section at Melsisi

July 6, 2026 9:45 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Phase 2 of the Pentecost tar-seal road project is progressing well following last year’s groundbreaking between the Government of Vanuatu and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Nandin Bule said yesterday that the steepest sections of the Melsisi hill, known as “Dangerous Corner” and “Sharp Corner”, were reached last week by the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG).

Mr. Bule said the section is called “Dangerous Corner” because drivers must honk to warn other drivers or pedestrians to move clear of the bend.

He said “Sharp Corner” is named as such because drivers previously had to reverse twice before continuing the route to the top of the hill.

Mr. Bule said many first-time passengers on vehicles climbing or descending the Melsisi mountain section by vehicle often close their eyes due to fear of steep drops.

Drivers previously had to engage four-wheel drive on their Land Cruisers while ascending the Melsisi mountain, also known as Aldo Hill.

Mr. Bule said works are still at the clearing stage, but drivers no longer need four-wheel drive in some sections.

He said bicycles can now be used to climb Aldo Hill, which was not previously possible.

This section of Pentecost connects communities in the north and south of the island.

Mr. Bule said from Melsisi Catholic Mission to Ilamre village, the terrain has been levelled by SCG, removing several steep gradients.

He said Aldo Hill is the most difficult section of Phase 2 of the Pentecost road and has taken time for the Chinese contractor, but construction is now expected to progress more easily.

The total cost of Phase 2 is more than VT3 billion.

Mr. Bule said construction of the Melsisi wharf by SCG is also progressing well.

During the last parliamentary session, Member of Parliament (MP) for Pentecost and former Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai raised concerns over delays in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Melsisi anchorage, which is required for smooth implementation of the project by SCG.

Funding for Phase 2 of the Pentecost road and the wharf was signed in 2024 during Mr. Salwai’s tenure as PM during a visit to China.

It is among 13 agreements signed at that time.

SCG won the tender to build Phase 2 of the Pentecost road and the Melsisi wharf.