Recovery Efforts Begin in Port Vila CBD, but Over 200 Businesses Still Affected
January 14, 2025 10:07 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
Over 90 buildings, including more than 200 businesses within the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD), remain under lockdown following the 7.3 earthquake on December 17, 2024. Hundreds of employees have lost their jobs as a result.
The area, once the busiest hub on Efate Island, is now deserted. No businesses are operating, with only security guards and police officers present to safeguard the remaining buildings from theft and manage traffic around the Port Vila CBD.
A business in Port Vila’s CBD said the closure has left 16 staff, all women with families, without income.
They are struggling to pay bills, and despite weeks of stress and trying to stay hopeful, no help or clear plans have come through.
Some essential businesses, such as banks and cash transfer services, have relocated and retained their employees. Other businesses outside the CBD have hired some of the displaced workers.
However, hundreds remain unemployed.
The CBD remains closed because most of the buildings affected by the 7.3 earthquake are still considered unsafe and classified as risk zones. Although assessments have been conducted visually, further evaluations are necessary.
The Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) yesterday confirmed that they approved the work that will be carried out by New Zealand, Australia, and Japan engineers.
“Today (yesterday), the ROC approved their work, allowing them to commence operations. New Zealand is in charge of demolishing the buildings, while the ROC collaborates with the insurance companies and business owners,” ROC informed the Daily Post.
“The initial assessment was purely visual, during which they observed and determined that certain buildings were to be demolished.
“Now, they will begin a detailed structural assessment using lasers to determine whether specific buildings are safe or not.”
Amid these delays, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is hosting a meeting at 11am today, January 15, 2025. Business owners from the Port Vila CBD are invited to share their views and receive updates on discussions taking place at the National Recovery Committee level.
