A new road clearance from Telvet to Lehambek on the Island of Motalava in Torba Province was completed by PWD.  This is the first time a road from Telvet to Lehambek,  about 4.9 kilometers in length, was cleared.  This road project was funded under Feeder Roads Fund. The road was constructed to make it easier for the population living around Telvet to Lehambek to access the areas from east to north of Motalava island.

Acting Division Manager Mr Mark Bulemis said that prior to the road opening, people travel by boat. After the road clearing, people can now travel by vehicle some 2km inwards while still walking the rest of the 2.9 kilometers. 

The Vanuatu Government, through the Public Works Department, has awarded Geoffrey Road Works to do the road clearance from Lehambek to Telvet.  The cost of this road works is 4,462,777 Vatu. The contractor has completed 4.9 kkilometers of clearance with the supervision of the Torba site inspector Ms. Luclin and PWD senior staff. The Torba team were trained and provided advice by R4D2 advisers.

 Chief Arthur from Motalava Island said, "I am very happy our road has been cleared.  The people in my community, especially the farmers, can now easily transport their farm products to the market”. He also added that it is now easier for copra farmers to transport their copra from the plantation to the main anchorage by 4WD vehicle. He also hoped that the road will be maintained well.

With the road clearance, the people can now walk to the health centers, banks, and schools, as well as to nearby villages. The road is still earthen but PWD plans to convert it into gravel road by 2022.

Pictures from QPA: Road from Telvet to Lehambek Motalava