Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project Package - 2, SOUTH SANTO ROAD (56.32km)
South Santo's 60km of Tarsealed Roads Coming by 2026
Today - 3rd July 2025 marks the start of Package 2 of the 'Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project - South Santo Road' - covering about 60km from Saint Michel to Tassiriki in South Santo.
Funded by the World Bank at a total cost of approximately Vt6 billion, this road stands to be another key game changer as the Government etches closer to the ultimate goal of making Santo the true economic hub of the country.
The first package is being concluded and should be done by the end of next month - seeing the completion of 11 new bridges, two new box culverts, two pedestrian bridges and the repair of three old bridges.
The Government led by Prime Minister Jotham Napat was in Sarate village today, as well as Government Ministers, MPs, Sanma leaders, and World Bank representative Elizabeth Pechan, to officiate yet another milestone achievement. The ceremony was conducted in high spirits with the surrounding communities, some of whom never dreamt this would be possible. So many others had also passed on without seeing the dream turn into reality
He thanked the World Bank for the financial support and commitment thus far. Prime Minister Napat gave a touching history behind the project, naming late Serge Vohor and Harry Iauko Iaris as amongst figures behind the project from the start. He recalled it was at a time when the MCA was building the now renamed Rialuth Highway and the people of South Santo could only look to their East Santo cousins with envy - some 15 or so years ago.
The Prime Minister then sounded caution to road users. ️"We are not building these roads so that you could drive recklessly to your death. We have seen enough deadly road accidents in East Santo so please be mindful once the roads are completed.
<p"These projects are meant to be key enablers to unlock our economic power and growth. Please start planting more crops and kava. Restock your farms," said PM Napat. And on behalf of the World Bank Ms Pechan also took the time to congratulate the Government, the Contractors - CCECC and everyone involved for their efforts and commitments - highlighting that an estimated 40,000 people stand to benefit from the project, after years of hardships - especially having to cross flood waters during bad weather and cyclones - and navigating some of the worst road conditions in Vanuatu. Those experiences will fade into oblivion once the project is concluded by December 2026. >