The 16-kilometer road project on Aneityum is expected to be completed by December, with the Government funding the first phase at a cost of VT100 million.

Senior Foreman of Operations and Maintenance at Tafea PWD, Roger Komi, told VBTC News the progress depends largely on the weather, as Aneityum’s red soil presents unique challenges.

Mr. Komi explained that the road is divided into two phases, covering a total of 8 kilometers.

“The first phase of the 8KM finishes from the Councilors’ Village. At the moment, we have completed about 5KM. The challenge is that our island is unique,Aneityum has red soil, and when it rains it becomes difficult. We don’t have a quarry or good soil here, but we have found soil that has already been tested and we’re waiting for confirmation,” he said.

Community Liaison Officer for Aneityum, Selwyn Daniel, highlighted the importance of the road for both locals and the tourism sector.

“This is the first time we’ve seen something like this. In the past, machinery only came for logging work. The island’s population is 1,466, but with cruise ships bringing in over 3,000 visitors every month, we need this kind of infrastructure to support farming and development,” he said.

VBTC News also received information that funding for the second phase of the road crossing is expected to come from Australia, but it has not yet been approved.