In a significant stride towards enhancing transportation infrastructure, the Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, recently initiated a comprehensive road upgrade spanning from Santo to Port Olry, extending all the way to Daion (Big Bay Santo).
Honorable Rick Tchamako Mahe, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, along with Acting Director General Henry Warek and a team of skilled technicians from the Department of Public Works, visited the ongoing road upgrade project to assess its progress in early December 2023. The ambitious 11.6 km road upgrade project, a government initiative, is poised to revolutionize connectivity in the region.
The Chief Siriak Tekebu, representing a nearby village, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Public Works Department and the Vanuatu government for undertaking this monumental development. He underscored the far-reaching social and economic advantages, including reduced travel times, improved market accessibility, and enhanced availability of essential services, particularly benefiting children and pregnant women.
The Scope of Works for this transformative project includes four key phases:
- Clearance
- Profiling
- Stockpiling
- Graveling
This comprehensive initiative was divided into two distinct phases, demonstrating a strategic approach to project execution:
- The skilled team at Sunshine in Paradise contractor was entrusted with the Clearance and Profiling phases.
- Force Accounts, specifically Sanma PWD Team 2, expertly managed the Stockpile and Graveling works.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all involved parties, the Public Works Department extends gratitude to the PWD Force Accounts team in Santo for their dedicated contributions. The successful execution of this project marks a positive transformation that will undoubtedly benefit the community.
As we celebrate progress and development, let us recognize the collective effort that went into realizing this transformative change. Together, we pave the way for a brighter and more connected future.