An agreement worth VT6 billion was signed yesterday for Vanuatu’s second submarine cable, known as the TamTam Submarine Cable Project.
The project is financed by the Asian Development Bank and the agreement was signed with Prima Limited to connect New Caledonia to Tanna, Efate, Malekula and Santo.
The new submarine cable will link Port Vila to New Caledonia using smart technology that will not only improve internet connectivity but also support ocean data monitoring for tsunami and climate tracking.
Managing Director of Prima Limited, Simon Fletcher, confirmed that work on the project is already progressing.
“We will bring a cable from New Caledonia to Port Vila, then extend to Luganville through Malekula. Malekula will serve as a hub to connect other smaller islands with limited connectivity,” he explained.
Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the TamTam Cable Project will significantly improve services in health, education and tourism.
“The TamTam Cable Project will empower businesses, expand opportunities for our youth, strengthen government service delivery and bring our islands closer together through modern connectivity,” the Prime Minister said.
President of the Asian Development Bank, Masato Kanda, stated that the cable will contribute to a stronger and more inclusive economy.
He said the project forms part of a broader framework to modernise business and improve access to finance in the Pacific region.
Major shareholders of the TamTam Cable include the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) and Vanuatu Post Limited, while Prima Limited holds a smaller share.
Mr Fletcher said that because VNPF is the majority shareholder, the people of Vanuatu effectively own the cable through their national fund.
“It provides financial benefit and also a social dividend. In the future it will generate capital and dividends, but today it delivers social dividends by improving lives through better internet connectivity,” he said.
The submarine cable will run from Lifou in New Caledonia to Tanna, before connecting onward to Port Vila, Norsup and Luganville, significantly boosting national connectivity infrastructure.
