Business Owners Voice Frustrations Over Port Vila CBD Closure

January 15, 2025 10:07 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Over 200 frustrated business owners gathered at the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) compound yesterday to share their concerns regarding the prolonged closure of the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD).

The closure, caused by the December 17 earthquake last year, has significantly impacted their businesses and employees. While some businesses have relocated, others are urging the authorities to speed up recovery efforts, as laying off employees is not a good option, which will create a high number of unemployment.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake led to the designation of red zones, where business operations are restricted. VCCI has been collaborating with the Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) and the National Recovery Committee to communicate with affected businesses in these areas.

During the meeting, VCCI Adviser Joanna Spencer assured attendees that the government is open to hearing their frustrations, which could help inform recovery planning if channeled effectively through VCCI.

While some business owners understand the government’s recovery process, others expressed dissatisfaction. They noted that while certain businesses can continue operating, many remain closed due to red zone restrictions, forcing some to lay off employees.

The Port Vila City Mayor, Jenny Tasale Regenvanu was also present during the meeting yesterday as a mayor and business owner. She stated that as a mayor, she has no information like the other attendees and have to visit ROC for information.

“The information I get is they are working on a map, and currently doing underground assessment waiting for Japanese specialist to come and carry out digging, since there is a hole on the water front area, which is still unclear if it’s a fault line or something else.

“They have new and existing fault line which is scary and this as well will be shown on the map. It’s still shaking and it is danger, we have people who have already lost their lives, we cannot lose another lives.

“I understand the frustration of us as business houses, we are losing money and everything, but, it’s no one fault, it is nature,” she said.

Some attendees disagree that it is someone fault that is taking so long to do something about it, since there has been no consultation from this someone.

To address these concerns, VCCI plans to establish a committee to represent businesses at the Recovery Committee level at the Prime Minister’s office compound. However, some attendees worried that involving more business representatives at higher levels might complicate matters. They also criticized the ROC’s lack of detailed project planning, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to demolition and rebuilding in the CBD. “Putting together a committee of business people up to the higher level will complicate factors a little, what ROC is missing is lack of project planning, what is seen in CBD is a long term demolition and rebuilding,” one of the attendees stated.

Regarding the timeline for CBD building and road assessments, VCCI explained that the first round of assessment was visual inspections, conducted by the government with donor partners, identified structures requiring detailed assessments. These evaluations will guide planning for red zones and traffic management.

The VCCI highlighted that local engineers’ private assessments were only visual and not enough for legal or insurance needs. Proper structural checks are crucial for safety. Government buildings used for public services are being prioritised, while assessments in the CBD focus on gradually reopening businesses.

VCCI also informed the attendees that the demolition efforts are being managed by the Public Works Department (PWD) with technical support from DFAT and experts from New Zealand.

These efforts are complex due to factors like asbestos, gas systems, septic tanks, and rubble disposal. Geotechnical work is also critical, particularly in areas located on active fault lines.

According to the Structural and Civil Engineering Sub Committee situation report 1 issued yesterday for buildings, Rapid Assessments completed for Public Buildings and Private Buildings within CBD by Australian and New Zealand USAR, PWD and Local Engineering Firms saw 260 Buildings assessed to-date, 85 Public Buildings assessed (2 certificate of occupancy issued), and 175 Private buildings assessed (115 issued approval of temporary access, 46 to undergo detailed engineering assessments and 13 to demolish/major repair.