Memorial Service for victims of Billabong Building collapse
January 1, 2025 9:58 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
A memorial service was held at the Billabong building site in Port Vila on December 31, 2024, to honour those who lost their lives when the building collapsed during the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on December 17, 2024.
Lady Mayor of Port Vila City Council (PVCC), Jenny Regenvanu, delivered a heartfelt speech at the memorial. She expressed gratitude for the community’s prayers and resilience, while recognising the deep loss and devastation the earthquake caused.
“Today we stand on a broken city. I believe God gave this city for us to walk on and look after well. It is possible that we have disobeyed God, and God speaks to us through nature.
“God, on behalf of the people of Vanuatu, and especially Port Vila, we want to say sorry. Please forgive us,” she said, expressing both sorrow and hope for healing.
Caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, offered his condolences to the grieving families, acknowledging the heavy impact of the tragedy during what was meant to be a joyful time.
“The earthquake that reached us on December 17 caused many damages to our city and also many innocent lives were lost. On behalf of the Government and the people of Vanuatu, heartfelt condolences to you all, especially those who lost their loved ones,” Napuat stated.
He thanked the emergency responders and organisations that worked tirelessly during the rescue and recovery efforts. Napuat also acknowledged the diplomatic corps present at the service for their continued support in the aftermath of the disaster.
Chief Simeon Poilapa, President of the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs, urged stricter regulations for building structures.
Speaking on behalf of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, he emphasised the need for disaster-resistant construction.
“The message of the chiefs is that the approval on the structures of buildings has to be cyclone-proof, earthquake-proof. We don’t expect this to happen again in the future. Proper structures must be applied,” Chief Poilapa declared, addressing not only the acting government but future administrations and the PVCC.
Chief Bakoa Kaltonga of Ifira shared a traditional perspective, linking natural events like earthquakes to cultural beliefs.
“Before a chief of Ifira passes away, there must be an earthquake, and it happens all the time. Nature responds with an earthquake. You who study in modern times will not understand it, but Vanuatu has its own customs, and we have to respect that,” Chief Kaltonga said.
Recalling the day of the earthquake, he described how Ifira residents observed smoke rising from Port Vila, prompting immediate concern and action. “It is one of the most traumatic events since the cyclone in 1959 that caused a tsunami here,” he added.
The memorial service will be remembered for years to come. While Port Vila mourns, the tragedy has inspired calls for unity, reflection, and meaningful action to prevent future disasters. The Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) area remains under lockdown, as it is still considered unsafe. Engineers must inspect the buildings before the Government can reopen the zone.
