UNELCO confirms Port Vila water source safe

January 29, 2026 10:41 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

UNELCO management has assured the public that the water in Port Vila and surrounding villages remains safe, despite recent activities by Brunet Entreprise Générale at Zone 3 of the Tagabe water source.

UNELCO welcomed the Department of Water Resources’ (DoWR) decision to halt asphalt processing operations within Zone 3 of the Matnakara Water Protection Zone (MPZ).

According to UNELCO, contamination would only have been a risk if the activities had continued over a prolonged period.

A DoWR report explained that the operations were stopped because they were being conducted in a protected area under the Water Resources Management Act. Asphalt and bitumen products used at the site contain hazardous substances, including Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene, sulfur compounds, and heavy metals. These substances pose long-term risks to soil and groundwater and raise public health concerns.

The Vanuatu Daily Post understands that the asphalt processing is part of the Efate Ring Road project.

Another project currently on hold due to the Water Resources Management Act is the VT30 billion mini-township by Future Fund Company, officially launched last year. It cannot proceed because it is located within Zone 3. The company’s manager, John Tonner, said the project will only start if the water source is relocated.

The Asian Development Bank has allocated VT400 million for a new water source to supply Port Vila residents.