Wharf landslide works underway, road could reopen in six months

January 15, 2026 10:02 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Nicholas Mwai.

A joint venture involving Loic Dinh, Ward Demolition and Pierre-Henri Brunet has been awarded the contract to carry out ongoing landslide clearance and stabilisation works at the main wharf area, with authorities hopeful the affected road access could reopen within six months if approvals proceed as planned.

Mr. Brunet confirmed that work is already underway, although the exact completion date remains uncertain, as it depends on government instructions and approvals.

“The landslide at the wharf has been awarded to a joint venture company, which we are involved in, and the work is ongoing,” Brunet said. “The date of completion is hard to say because it depends on what the government needs us to do.”

He explained that current efforts are focused on securing the landslide before clearing the entrance and access road, noting that access cannot be safely reopened without first addressing the unstable slope.

“At the moment, the works are set to focus on the entrance and access, but unfortunately we cannot clear the access without securing the landslide phase,” he said. “So we are working hand in hand with the government to find ways to do both within the budget we have.”

According to Brunet, a technical solution has already been identified and submitted to the government for approval. While awaiting a response, work continues on site.

“We have already found the solution and given it to the government. We are waiting for their approval. Meanwhile, we are continuing with the work, and hopefully, if everything goes well, the road should re-open within six months,” he said.

The proposed solution involves removing high-risk rocks along the cliff face that are at risk of falling and using the landslide material already on site to construct a large protective embankment.

“The solution is to remove all the high-risk rocks that are ready to fall at any time,” Brunet explained. “Using the materials on site, we will create a huge bank to protect the side of the cliff. If there are any further landslides, the embankment will stop rocks from hitting pedestrians or vehicles.”

However, officials have acknowledged that works beneath the slope could potentially disturb residents living at the top of the landslide area, raising the possibility that some may need to relocate. When contacted by the Vanuatu Daily Post, residents declined to comment, saying only that negotiations were still ongoing.

Government commitment to the project was reaffirmed by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Johnny Koanapo during the handing over of Ifira Ports Development and Services (IPDS) shares to the government on December 16 last year. DPM Koanapo said the government approved a financial contribution to support the stabilisation works.

“With the permission of the Prime Minister, and in the presence of the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, I signed an amount of US$24.4 million, which is about VT2.69 billion, to add to what the government has already been giving for clearance,” the DPM said.

He added that the government signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank to strengthen and stabilise the road, stressing that the state remains fully committed to restoring safe access to the wharf area.

“The government remains fully committed to restoring safe access,” Koanapo said.

The wharf landslide has remained a major concern for road users, businesses, and nearby residents, with authorities emphasising that safety remains the top priority as works continue.