Gov’t to build jetties for sea-only access islands

February 5, 2026 10:21 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), Xavier Emmanuel Harry, has confirmed that the government, through the ministry he leads, will build jetties on islands that are only accessible by sea.

Minister Harry said there are four islands in the Shepherds where residents rely entirely on boats for transport to and from their islands.

“I was shocked during my recent official visit to Tongariki to see that, 46 years after independence, people are still counting waves to allow their dinghies or boats to reach the shore,” he said.

He said while the islands are small, they are rich in agriculture. Tongariki, for example, is well known for its yams. After the severe devastation caused by Category 5 Cyclone Harold on Pentecost on 6 April 2020, farmers from these islands sent about 30 tons of yams as relief supplies to affected communities, alongside assistance from donor countries.

Minister Harry said the jetties are intended to support economic activities, but the main priority is the safety of residents when boats dock.

“Vanuatu is now 46 years post-independence. People should no longer face difficulties accessing their islands,” he said.

In the Shepherds, only Emae and Tongoa have airports. Residents of the other islands rely on commercial vessels and boats as their main means of transport.

Minister Harry also said the government plans to build jetties on islands in TORBA province, which face similar challenges. Of the 11 islands in TORBA, only Gaua, Motalava, Vanualava, and Loh have airports, while the remaining islands depend on sea transport.

The minister added that jetties will also be built in areas where airports are too far from villages. Engineers have already visited TORBA to assess the islands and identify suitable sites for construction.

Minister Harry said two companies have already expressed interest in the projects.