Port Vila City Council has received a Geotechnical Guidance Handbook from the New Zealand Government to support safer rebuilding of the city’s Central Business District (CBD) following the December 2024 earthquake.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Vanuatu Peter Kemp officially handed over the handbook to Port Vila Lord Mayor Samuel Iani.
Mr Iani told VBTC News that the lack of proper geotechnical guidance had been one of the main issues delaying development in the CBD.
He said the handbook would provide guidance for the council and development teams as they work towards rebuilding the city centre.
Guide for town planning and building permits
Mr Iani said the handbook would help the council make decisions on town planning, business permits and building permits in line with established guidelines.
“One of the main things that has been holding up development in our CBD is the guidance from the geotechnical team that we have been waiting for.”
“Finally, Port Vila City Council has this handover in its hands, and it will be very helpful, especially for development within our CBD.”
He said the guidance would help ensure decisions about development were made with public safety in mind.
“When we talk about business permits and building permits, this is very helpful in guiding our town planning so the team and town council can make decisions according to the guidelines.”
He said the main purpose was to safeguard residents and businesses operating in the CBD.
Building confidence among investors
Mr Iani said the handbook would also provide safety assurance for potential investors and developers interested in rebuilding in Port Vila’s CBD.
He said having clear guidance would help the council provide information about which locations could be developed in accordance with the handbook’s recommendations.
“This will be our safety assurance, especially for our CBD, for investors and developers who want to develop the area.”
Mr Iani said the handbook could also help restore investor confidence and encourage businesses to return to the city centre.
Supporting the CBD’s recovery
The December 2024 earthquake caused significant damage in Port Vila, affecting buildings and businesses in the central business area.
The new handbook is intended to provide technical guidance to support planning and development decisions as rebuilding continues.
Mr Iani said the council would rely on the guidance to help determine how development could safely proceed in the CBD.
The handbook is expected to support decisions on future construction and help provide a clearer basis for businesses and investors considering a return to Port Vila’s main commercial area.
