Projects
The Tafea Provincial Government Council (TPGC) is committed to advancing inclusive development across the five islands of Tafea Province, through strong partnerships with communities, national ministries, development agencies, and international donors, TPGC has helped deliver a range of high impact projects that improve local infrastructure, digital connectivity, service delivery, and economic opportunities.
From climate resilient roads and bridges to the expansion of ICT access on remote islands, every initiative reflects TPGC’s mission to bring government closer to the people. Ongoing efforts also focus on building local skills through accredited training, enhancing inter-island transport, and advocating for strategic infrastructure like ports and clean energy systems.
Major Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects
Isangel Loop Road Upgrade (Tanna)
A 1.7 km stretch around Isangel is being sealed with fibre‑reinforced concrete—a climate-resilient, long‑lasting material—supported by the governments of Vanuatu and Australia. This road will improve access between provincial offices, health clinics, schools, tourism spots, and the Lenakel airport. It also strengthens disaster response and evacuation routes.
Imanaka Bridge Reconstruction (Tanna)
The damaged single-lane bridge was replaced with a wider span including a footpath, restoring vital connectivity between Lenakel town, the airport, and local tourism areas. A Suzuki Jimny was also provided to support Public Works oversight across Tanna.
Digital Services Expansion
Outer‑Island ICT Connectivity Pilot
Under UNDP’s Integrated Service Delivery Recovery Project, TPGC installed ICT infrastructure on Aneityum, Aniwa, Futuna, North Tanna, and South Erromango—benefiting approximately 15,000 residents (3,500 households). Services now accessible locally include printing national IDs, obtaining police clearances, receiving weather alerts, and accessing emergency coordination.
Skills Training & Community Development
Construction Skills & Area Council Buildings
Through collaboration with the Vanuatu Skills Partnership and Tafea Skills Centre, TPGC delivered Certificate II in construction training embedded within real infrastructure projects for Area Councils—for example, the Central Tanna Area Council house. Local builders, including women, gained accredited certification while delivering buildings that further decentralization and local service access.
Outer-Islands Transport Support
Shipping Subsidy Project (Route SSS2A—East Tafea)
To improve maritime access to remote islands, TPGC coordinated a government-backed subsidy for MV Havutu operated by Touaraken Shipping Services. Starting October 2024, one monthly voyage connects Port Narvin, Ipota (Erromango), Aniwa, Port Resolution, Mission Bay, Herald Bay, Anelcauhat, and Port Patrick—ensuring more consistent cargo and passenger transit.
Tourism & Energy Development Advocacy
Petition for International Wharf on Tanna
TPGC requested national government support to build an international-standard wharf on Tanna to enable direct imports, support growing tourism (especially cruise ship access), reduce reliance on Port Vila, and stimulate economic activity.
Hydropower & Water Supply Projects
In the same appeal, Vice President of TPGC urged development of hydroelectric power and water infrastructure to support Lenakel’s rapid growth and improve basic services.
| Project/Initiative | Area | Objectives | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isangel Loop Road & Imanaka Bridge | Lenakel/Tanna | Climate-resilient transport, disaster prep | Vanuatu Govt, Australia, PWD, TPGC |
| Outer-island ICT connectivity | Outer islands | Digital service access for 15,000 people | UNDP, DoLA, TPGC |
| Area Council building & construction training | Central Tanna | Skills accreditation + decentralisation | Vanuatu Skills Partnership, VIT |
| Shipping subsidy (Route SSS2A) | Outer islands | Regular connection for goods & residents | Touaraken Shipping, MIPU, TPGC |
| Wharf & Hydro‑power proposals | Tanna/Ianam | Economic expansion, cruise, water & power | TPGC, national Govt |
Provincial Government & Other Agencies
A nonbinding agreement for the VT13.2 billion construction of the Malekula Road Phase III was signed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the Vanuatu Government in October 2021.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Jay Ngwele, Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo and the Managing Director of CCECC, Liang Qing, put pens to paper for the agreement, in the presence of other government officials.
Nonbinding means the agreement is not legally enforced. It will come into effective afterwards once funds are secured, said the Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), Johnson Binaru.
As part of its obligation, CCECC will go ahead with the project scoping phase while the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MoFEM) will secure funds required to complete the project.
Scoping involves designing and cost estimation. Construction will be done on three different routes, totaling to 77.5km. Route 1 commences from Unmet to Leviamp, Norsup to Vao for Route 2 and Route 3 is from Bushman Bay to Lamap.
The Minister of Finance explained that the government, through the MoFEM is considering a twist in its approach to major infrastructure projects investment.
Minister Koanapo said part of this twist includes sourcing construction materials locally, to create employment and support local economy.
“It’s a policy transition focus of the government. Sourcing construction materials locally will bring revenue to the community,” he said.
“We should not be hesitating to pay sand from landowners. This is their country. They are entitled to benefit from the projects.”
Minister for Infrastructure Ngwele commended the government’s push for infrastructure development growth.
CCECC Managing Director Qing acknowledged the government for its trust in CCECC to deliver the project.
Apart from the Malekula Road Phase III, CCECC is carrying out road projects on other islands. Currently, it is designing the VT992 million Tanna Road Phase III and the VT318 million asphalt road from Smet to the Port Vila Airport.
The projects are funded through loan arrangements. The government sourced a loan from the EXIM Bank of China in 2013 to finance the two major infrastructure projects during their initial phases.
When signing the contract for the Tanna Road Phase III last month with CCECC, Minister Koanapo said the government with the support of donor partners will securing funds for the projects.
The government is faithful in repaying its project loans despite the current COVID-19 crisis, he added