In the heart of Port Vila, a new monument is set to rise , in flowing water, carrying with it memories of loss, resilience and hope.
More than a year after the devastating earthquake of December 17, 2024, Port Vila City Council, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, and local organisation Voices of Hope, has come together to create a living memorial for those whose lives were lost.
Unlike traditional monuments of stone and steel, this memorial will take the form of a water fountain , a choice meant to symbolise life, renewal and healing. City officials say the fountain will serve not only as a marker of remembrance, but as a place where families, survivors and visitors can gather, reflect and find comfort.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat has announced that December 17 will be observed every year as an annual commemoration. On that day, the names of all those who lost their lives in the earthquake will be honoured, permanently engraved onto the fountain , ensuring they are never forgotten.
For those involved in bringing the vision to life, the project carries deep emotional meaning. Speaking to VBTC News, Jason, an architect and partner of Voices of Hope, said construction will begin as soon as all administrative processes are completed. He shared that the proposed name for the memorial is “The Fountain of Love.”
“It’s not just about remembering the past,” the group says. “It’s about creating a space that speaks to compassion, unity and the strength of our people.”
As water flows through the fountain, it will tell a quiet story ,of lives lost, families changed forever, and a community that chose to respond to tragedy with love.
