Australia funds VT622M Port Vila Urban Roads Reseal Project

November 11, 2025 10:02 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

A VT622 million Australian-funded project to reseal key urban roads in Port Vila was officially signed on Thursday, 6 November 2025, marking a major investment in the city’s infrastructure and strengthening the Vanuatu–Australia development partnership.

Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), Xavier Emmanuel Harry, signed the agreement with Downer EDI Works (Vanuatu), describing the initiative as an important step toward improving the capital’s road network. The signing was witnessed by Australian High Commissioner Max Willis, senior MIPU officials, and Downer EDI’s commercial manager, Ben Regan.

The investment, valued at VT622,615,141 (AUD 7.8 million), aims to improve accessibility, enhance business and transport connectivity, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs for Port Vila residents. Initial works will cover approximately six kilometres of urban roads across Nambatu, Seaside, and Colardeau. Construction is set to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed before year’s end, including high-quality pavement repairs, DBST resealing, updated road signage, and improved road markings.

“The Port Vila Urban Roads Reseal Project will deliver durable, climate-resilient roads that improve mobility, safety, and connectivity for Port Vila’s residents and businesses,” Minister Harry said. “We are starting in March with resealing critical roads in the Nambatu, Seaside, and Colardeau areas and hope to add further urban roads to strengthen the Port Vila road network.”

Minister Harry acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support to Vanuatu’s infrastructure sector. “Australia’s partnership in Vanuatu’s infrastructure development is evident in this project, which contributes to our economic and social development while also building our capacity to manage and deliver road infrastructure.”

The Australian Embassy confirmed the project is part of Australia’s broader Vanuatu–Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) program. The initiative reflects a partnership described by Australian officials as “longstanding” and focused on “locally-led, high-quality, climate-resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.”

Paul Renault, First Secretary for Infrastructure at the Australian High Commission, said the investment is designed to support safer, more reliable transport for Port Vila while strengthening national systems.

“The key objective of the Port Vila Urban Reseal Project is to deliver high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure for urban roads, improving safe access to transport hubs, essential services, and business centres while reducing road maintenance costs,” he said.

“Our support is not just about funding capital works but also building skills, systems, and decision-making capacity across the Public Works Department.”

Australia’s broader infrastructure support has included repairs to cyclone-damaged schools and health facilities, refurbished police and justice buildings, and security-focused infrastructure such as the National Emergency Radio Network, Tiroas Barracks, and Mala Base Wharf.

The VAI4D program continues this legacy by supporting the Public Works Department through technical capacity-building, planning and maintenance systems, and engineering oversight.

Australia’s assistance is expected to expand under the soon-to-be-finalised Nakamal Agreement, a new elevated partnership with Vanuatu. Once signed, the pact will scale up cooperation in infrastructure, climate resilience, and other sectors, guided by Vanuatu’s national development priorities, including the goal of 100% renewable energy.

In addition to the initial six-kilometre reseal works, further upgrades may follow. “There is flexibility under the current contracting arrangement with Downer to address other key roads within Port Vila,” Renault confirmed. VAI4D and the Public Works Department will assess additional works, which will be announced later. The project will also create local employment opportunities.

Other upcoming Australian-supported projects include the new Port Vila Central Police Station, a National Security Council Secretariat building, and the Norsup-to-Vao Road Improvement Project.

Through multilateral partners such as the World Bank, Australia also supports major works like the South Santo Road under the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project. Funding to the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) is also helping update Vanuatu’s National Building Code through hazard studies.

Downer EDI Works (Vanuatu), the contractor selected for the resealing project, has played an extensive role in Vanuatu’s road network over the years. The company has delivered more than 150 kilometres of major road upgrades across Efate and Santo, including the Efate Ring Road, Santo East Coast Road, arterial roads under the Port Vila Urban Development Project in 2017, and 13 kilometres of the Kings Cross Road on Tanna in 2018.

Australia’s infrastructure assistance now exceeds VT8.3 billion (AUD 100 million) since 2009, supporting climate-resilient construction standards, local contractor development, and stronger technical systems nationwide.

The Port Vila Urban Roads Reseal Project, delivered under VAI4D, reflects both nations’ commitment to high-quality, climate-resilient infrastructure and forms part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Vanuatu’s transport network.