Richard Butler | Exclusive Report by DAILY POST VANUATU | 8TH APRIL, 2025
The Government has announced that no further public funds will be spent on patching roads within the Central Business District (CBD) until major rehabilitation works begin within the next three months.
“This decision comes as part of a larger infrastructure overhaul, supported by a generous grant of approximately VT2 billion from the Government of the People’s Republic of China,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) conveyed.
“The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) is currently finalising designs for this extensive road rehabilitation project. Once completed, MIPU will officially announce the schedule and scope of the works. The CBD Road upgrades will include improved drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, road markings, and signage—essential components of a long-overdue transformation for the nation’s capital.”
This announcement comes at a critical time, as demolition works progress and Port Vila undergoes a broader revitalisation. With years of public frustration over deteriorating road conditions, particularly in the Port Vila area, the Government has acknowledged that repeated patching is no longer viable
The Government has been under some pressure from road users complaining about the current road conditions in and around the Port Vila areas. The life span of all sealed roads in Port Vila is well overdue by about 15 years. A typical Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) lasts 7 years, or up to 10 years if well maintained. Beyond that, patching is ineffective. Full rehabilitation is the only sustainable solution, albeit costly.
Resealing 1km of expired tar-sealed road costs over VT70 million, while full rehabilitation can exceed VT150 million per km. With Port Vila comprising 80km of sealed roads and 100km of unsealed roads, the cost of fully restoring all roads is significant.
Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat emphasised the need for a long-term approach.
“I’ve spoken with the Minister for Public Utilities. We’ve done countless patching works over the years, spending large sums of money to repeat the same temporary fixes,” he said.
“That’s no longer acceptable. We must be smarter with our resource allocation. We understand the frustration of road users. The current weather conditions have worsened road conditions, but we urge the public to be patient. We are committed to fixing the roads in our CBD, and now is the right time.”
In addition to funds being provided by China, Papua New Guinea have also contributed VT300 million to develop Kumul Highway with Australia through Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure for Development (VAI4D) VT500 million. All of these funds are being channelled into improving the road conditions of Port Vila as the seat of Vanuatu’s Capital; and rightly deserves a complete makeover.
The following roads are being targeted by the China and PNG funding: CBD, Prime Minister’s vicinity areas, Joint Court, Independence Park and Au Bon Marche Nambatu areas including new bypass access roads as Government plan to reduce traffic congestions experienced in Port Vila.
The outskirts of Port Vila, including Freshwota, Malapoa and Nambatri areas are being funded by the national government through the Ministry of Public Utilities but prioritised due to funding availability.
