PVCC warns against unauthorised developments in Port Vila
September 30, 2025 9:46 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The Port Vila City Council (PVCC) has raised grave concern over the continuing disregard of its authority as the body mandated under the Municipalities Act [CAP. 126] to oversee, regulate, and manage all developments within the City of Port Vila.
The Council says it continues to witness developments, particularly along the Feiawa Seafront Park and other parts of the city, being carried out without authorisation from PVCC and without compliance with the Gazetted Zoning Plan of 2024. It warns that such practices undermine governance, transparency, and accountability in urban management, and must stop immediately.
Most recently, the Council observed the berthing of a barge along the Seafront area—an area under its daily management and care. While this berthing was reportedly facilitated through the government, PVCC was not consulted in the process. It says it is troubling that neither the Ministry of Internal Affairs—the Ministry responsible for oversight of local authorities—nor the Lady Mayor and administration of PVCC were consulted before a decision that directly affects the city’s management and the people’s assets.
The Council says that while it welcomes cruise ships and visitors to Port Vila, recognising the economic benefits for local livelihoods, this cannot come at the expense of bypassing local authorities. PVCC, as the duly recognised authority, insists it must be included in decision-making processes that affect the management of Port Vila’s spaces, facilities, and future development.
The Council is calling on all Ministries, government agencies, and private stakeholders to respect the laws of the country, particularly the Municipalities Act, and to ensure proper consultation and cooperation with PVCC. It warns that disregard for these processes threatens the integrity of governance and risks creating disorder in how the city is managed and developed.
PVCC says it will continue to defend the rights and responsibilities given to it by law and stands ready to work with Government and stakeholders to ensure that development in Port Vila is lawful, orderly, and in the best interests of the capital’s citizens and residents.
