VT5B West Ambae tarseal road begins, 50-month timeline
June 23, 2025 10:17 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Hilaire Bule.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, gave the honour to the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu, to lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the West Ambae tarseal road yesterday at Mataidan.
Minister Koanapo thanked the Chinese Government for its ongoing support to the people of Vanuatu.
“China supported Vanuatu at the United Nations because they wanted us to gain our independence. Today, we are still seeing their continued assistance. In October 2024, I signed the financial agreement in China with Exim Bank to make this project possible. The agreement is worth over VT5 billion,” he said.
Mr. Koanapo urged the people of West Ambae to make use of the new tarseal road to support the island’s development.
“During the volcanic eruption in 2017, I visited people from Ambae who had been evacuated to islands such as Maewo, Pentecost and Santo,” he said.
“I understand that many have chosen to stay in these host islands, but I encourage them to contribute to the growth of Ambae. There are over 3,000 people on West Ambae, but more are needed to help develop the island.”
Minister Koanapo also mentioned several national development initiatives that will benefit the people of Ambae, including the upgrade of Pekoa Airport in Santo and the upcoming openings of the Reserve Bank and Pack House in Luganville later this month.
Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Xavier Harry Iauko, said the groundbreaking was a historic moment for West Ambae, which recorded a population of over 3,231 in the 2020 census.
He noted that infrastructure such as roads is crucial to ensure people can access services like education and healthcare.
“This road will support economic development, tourism, and improve disaster preparedness and resilience within communities. People expect the government to improve transport systems so they can more easily access services and support economic activities. Businesses rely on reliable infrastructure to improve productivity and contribute to government revenue.”
Minister Iauko said the main aim of sealing roads on Ambae is to improve the quality of life for its people. This led the Vanuatu Government to sign an agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Ltd on 9 August 2023.
Under the agreement, the 17-kilometre road from Devil’s Rock to Lo-one is expected to be completed within 50 months.
Mr. Iauko said the new road will also improve access to markets in Port Vila and Luganville.
“We expect that within 50 months, this project will boost the local economy and provide jobs for local people. It will also use locally available resources such as gravel,” he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Li Minggang, said it was an honour to attend the groundbreaking ceremony. He reminded the people of Ambae of a well-known Chinese proverb about the importance of infrastructure: “If you want to get rich, build a road first.”
“This reflects the essential role of infrastructure in development. Today’s road is not just a physical path; it represents a route to prosperity and hope for Ambae,” said Ambassador Li.
He said the road will improve transport, support agricultural trade, boost tourism, create jobs and bring new life to the local economy.
“At the same time, China will continue to support local community development, including education and healthcare,” he said. “With joint efforts, Vanuatu is on the path to faster and sustainable development. As China advances in modernisation, we are committed to sharing our development experience with our good brother, partner and friend—Vanuatu. We’re pleased to see new projects planned across Ambae, Santo, Tanna and other islands, expanding cooperation further.”
He added that the partnership between China and Vanuatu is not only about building roads, but also about strengthening friendship, cooperation and shared progress.
Ambassador Li said China views Vanuatu as a trustworthy brother, reliable partner and close friend, and will continue working to build a stronger China–Pacific Islands community with a shared future.
The General Manager of CCECC said the company is proud to be part of development projects in Vanuatu.
A representative of Ambae chiefs in the National Council of Chiefs, Malvatumauri, Chief Charley Titiro, thanked both the Vanuatu and Chinese governments for the new road project.
Chief Titiro also acknowledged Acting PM Koanapo’s call to increase the island’s population to support its development.
“Remove the ‘namele leaves’ from the bedroom to grow our population,” Chief Titiro told his people.
