Penama Province

Tropical Cyclone Harold (TC Harold) caused massive destruction on the Northern Provinces of Vanuatu in April.  Homes, medical facilities, educational facilities, gardens, livestock, and water sources were damaged.

On Pentecost Island in the Penama Province, Mr Alick Loas, the Penama Divisional Manager, reported that 83% of the road network in the island was inaccessible due to the effects of TC Harold. Fallen trees were blocking several road sections impacting the distribution of relief goods to the TC Harold victims negatively.

Through the Australian-funded Roads for Development Program Phase 2 (R4D2) in partnership with the Public Works Department (PWD), the roads affected by the TC Harold were immediately repaired. The R4D2 team provided support to PWD during the post-disaster assessment, and response and recovery road works implementation. The R4D2 team also assisted PWD to coordinate the preparation of the Tropical Cyclone Harold Response and Recovery Plan.  As a result of the R4D2 leadership and coordination, response and recovery activities were successfully implemented in Pentecost Island. 

The Penama divisional manager acknowledged R4D2 for funding and providing advice to the PWD team to carry out the response successfully. 

Repair works being undertaken on a damaged section of road in Pentecost.