Demolition of Wong Store building depends on owner

January 29, 2025 11:15 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

There are concerns about when the Wong Store building at Tagabe will be demolished, as school is starting soon and it is not safe for children walking past it. 

The Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) has made it clear that owners of private buildings damaged in the earthquake are responsible for arranging and covering the demolition costs. They should contact their insurance and notify the National Recovery Committee (NRC) about the demolition start date before getting approval for demolition. Owners must provide plans for demolition and disposal of waste.

If they are unable to meet the responsibility, the government can use the Physical Planning Act to take action.

The Wong Store building is visibly close to collapsing. Residents nearby are urged to avoid using the road behind the building, as aftershocks could cause it to collapse and result in further damage.

Director General (DG) Johnson Binaru from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works (MIPU) and a member of the Civil Engineering Infrastructure Sub-Committee said they will be blocking the road for safety.

During a briefing at ROC, the Director General (DG) and Chairlady of the NRC, Cherol Ala, mentioned that the SHEFA Provincial Government Council (SPGC) was tasked to look into the demolition, however the building is located within the Port Vila City Council (PVCC) jurisdiction. 

Town Clerk David Hopa said the council will issue a demolition permit once the owner applies for it. He emphasised that the responsibility for demolition rests with the owner.

Secretary General (SG) of SPGC, Lionel Kaluat, said they will collaborate with PVCC to negotiate demolition, as the building is on PVCC land, but its collapse could impact development on the SPGC boundary behind it.

The Department of Strategic Policy, Planning & Aid Coordination (DSPPAC) was tasked to approach the Chinese Government on the building demolition, according to DG Ala.

The La Casa d’ Andrea e Luciano building has already been demolished, and the next one to be demolished will be Chantillys on the Bay. The Vanuatu National Provident Fund will begin demolition of several of its buildings in mid-February, while other owners are encouraged to submit their demolition applications.