Rural communities across Vanuatu are benefitting from safer, more reliable roads. The Public Works Department is working with local small scale contractors to upgrade roads to fibre-reinforced concrete. The new roads are designed to last for 40 years with minimal maintenance and will withstand major weather events. The Department has selected steep sections of road which are susceptible to being washed out.

The new concrete roads and improved drainage structures ensure that communities have all-weather access to schools, healthcare, and markets. Contractors improve their skills and experience whilst offering work to local residents.

The Vanuatu - Australia Partnership continues to support improvements to the road network connecting businesses and communities. The Public Works Department is proud to showcase some of these projects.

Project 1

In Southwest Bay Malekula, a local contractor Malekula Timber has successfully constructed 180m FRC concrete pavement and 12m Drift.

Project 2

In Northwest Malekula, Yake Construction constructed 210m FRC Concrete pavement.

 Project 3

In the Shefa Province, 200m Fibre Reinforced Concrete Pavement was constructed between Filakara and Nul Junction using only local labour.

 Community maintenance improves access

The Public Works Department is able to respond to the ongoing routine maintenance needs of the road network by working with local communities.

The road on Maewo island was repaired by the local community earlier this year. This work included vegetation control and repairing a culvert using gabion baskets. Maintaining the road ensures that communities and businesses stay connected. The community maintenance keeps the road open and makes sure that people can access essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets as well as connect to other islands. Regular timely work also reduces the cost of future maintenance allowing the Public Works Department to have greater impact.

The Public Works Department is pleased to work with communities to look after our road network. Support for these projects comes from the Vanuatu - Australia Partnership.

Grasscutting (LP)                                                                 Gabion Works - improve drainage & road surface