ADB Backs Vanuatu Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), together with the Governments of New Zealand and Vanuatu, has provided additional financing of $18.48 million, $4.65 million, and $1.6 million respectively to the Vanuatu Interisland Shipping Support Project.

According to the ADB, the project is upgrading domestic port facilities, expanding regular and reliable shipping services to the provinces, and improving maritime safety regulation and compliance.

The additional financing will fund the reconstruction of Simonsen Wharf in Luganville, the proposed dredging of a channel in South Paray Bay to access the new Port Vila domestic wharf, and consultancy services for a coastal process study and assessment of environmental impacts from the proposed dredged channel.

Key project activities include the construction of a new interisland terminal in the capital, Port Vila, and three new jetties on the islands of Malekula, Ambae and Pentecost. The project will also repair Litzlitz wharf on Malekula and Lenakel wharf on Tanna.

The revised cost of the project that is being carried out over 6 years and with the additional financing is expected to be about $51.62 million, shared between ADB ($29.30 million), the Government of New Zealand ($17.25 million), and the Government of Vanuatu ($5.07 million).

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