VT2B Chinese grant to upgrade Port Vila CBD roads

January 7, 2026 10:16 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

The Chinese Government will give a VT2 billion grant for the upgrade and sealing of roads in the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD).

The scope of work includes upgrading and renovation of nearly 20 roads with a length of approximately 12.29km in the downtown area of Port Vila, adding to the rehabilitation efforts after the impacts of the 2024 earthquake.

These road sections include (1) Moorings to ABM No.2 Roundabout, (2) Hibiscus to JTN Bred Bank via George Pompidou, Cathedral and Chew Store, (3) Valet to Tropical Market Roundabout via PVCC, Independence Park and Central School, (4) President’s House to UNELCO via VNPF, China Town and NBV, (5) Alliance Francaise to JTN Independence Park via PVCC, PMO and Joint Court, (6) Correctional Centre to JTN MoTTCNVB, (7) Kumul Highway to JTN to Child Care School/MALFB.

From Collardeau to Tropical Market Roundabout via VCH and MOH (8), VANSEC to JTN at RBV/War Memorial PMO (9), RVB to JTN VTU via Supreme Court (10), Goodies to MoFEM (11), Kumul Highway road to JTN CNS via Bing Tong (12), Sound Centre to JTN via Erick Wong Store (13), ASCO to Chief’s Nakamal via Saralana (14), ABM to the roundabout near MK Restaurant (15), Independence Park Road 1 (16) and 2 (17), including the President’s residence (18).

The road works will be carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU).

Director General (DG) of the ministry, Henry Worek, witnessed the Ambassador of China to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, and the Prime Minister (PM), Jotham Napat, sign the exchange note for the grant yesterday.

PM Napat said the grant assistance will help enhance the Port Vila CBD image for visitors after the earthquake.

He reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to the One China principle and expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing assistance to Vanuatu, not only in rebuilding efforts after disasters and infrastructure, but also in other areas such as health, education, agriculture, and law enforcement.

Napat told Ambassador Li to convey his best wishes for the New Year to China’s President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and thank them for their friendship and the assistance provided to Vanuatu.

In his response, Mr. Li said yesterday’s signing reflects the continued commitment by the Chinese Government to help Vanuatu rebuild following the destructive earthquake.

He also conveyed his leaders’ best wishes and willingness to work together in building development and prosperity for both nations.

Apart from upgrading roads, the Chinese Government has also provided a VT6.8 billion grant for the renovation of key buildings such as the PM Office complex, Parliament Complex, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Malapoa College, and Korman Stadium by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.