The proposed 2027 national budget includes major investments in roads, airports and wharves across Vanuatu, with funding outlined for infrastructure projects aimed at improving transport connections between provincial communities and economic centres.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo presented the Bill for the Appropriation (2027) Act during Parliament’s Second Ordinary Session of 2026 this morning, outlining the proposed infrastructure allocations.
The projects include road developments in Malekula, Port Vila, Aneityum, Santo and Malo, airport upgrades in North Ambrym and Maewo, and proposed improvements to wharves and jetties in several provinces.
The allocations form part of the proposed 2027 budget and are subject to Parliament’s consideration of the Bill.
Proposed road investments across the provinces
One of the major proposed investments is the Malekula Resilient Infrastructure Project, for which the Government is proposing a first contribution of VT500 million in 2027.
The project has a total investment value of VT18 billion and involves 169 kilometres of climate-resilient roads designed to connect communities across Malekula. The Government’s total proposed contribution towards the project is VT6 billion.
For Port Vila, the Bill proposes VT917.8 million towards the 12-kilometre urban relief and bypass road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion around the capital. A further VT400 million is proposed for road repairs in Port Vila.
The Aneityum Gospel Road Upgrade and Climate Resilient Access Project is also included, with a proposed allocation of VT680 million for 2027. The overall project is valued at VT3.4 billion and involves upgrading 14 kilometres of road from Ujei to Unmej, including 32 crossings.
The project is expected to improve connections for rural communities while supporting tourism, timber use and extraction, and other economic opportunities.
The Government is also proposing VT600 million for road maintenance to protect sealed roads in Malekula, Tanna and Pentecost and help maintain reliable road connections for communities.
Improving Santo and Malo connectivity
In Santo, VT544.8 million is proposed through the Santo Road Corridor Investment Improvement Programme.
The funding would support the sealing of 20 kilometres of road from Chapui to the hydro station village, as well as construction of the Lape and Jordan River bridges. The improvements are intended to strengthen the connection between North Santo and Luganville, including during poor weather conditions.
On Malo, the proposed budget includes VT360 million towards a road project with a total value of VT1.8 billion.
The project involves 21 kilometres of road and bridges intended to connect communities with markets, schools and health services.
A further VT300 million is proposed for a feasibility study and detailed design for the planned 113-kilometre West Coast Santo Road, which is intended to reconnect the west coast with Luganville.
Proposed airport upgrades and stronger maritime links
The proposed budget also includes funding for improved air access to remote communities.
An allocation of VT341.8 million is proposed for an upgrade to the North Ambrym airport, transforming its existing gravel airstrip into a concrete runway. The improvement is intended to provide more reliable air access for healthcare, education, economic activities and disaster response.
On Maewo, VT298.9 million is proposed to seal the runway at Malolo Airport, helping flights land more reliably and keeping communities connected with the rest of Vanuatu.
For maritime transport, Koanapo outlined a VT1.8 billion funding gap for the Samansen Wharf in Santo and Port Sandwich Wharf in Malekula.
He said the Government was stepping in to fill the gap after donor support was limited to Samansen Wharf and did not include Port Sandwich.
The proposed 2027 budget includes VT200 million to co-finance the infrastructure projects, with the aim of modernising the wharves so they can accommodate vessels in rough weather and strengthen maritime links.
The Bill also proposes VT100 million for three new climate-resilient jetties in Gaua, Ureparapara and Tongoa. These would improve the movement of passengers, cargo and essential services between the outer islands and markets.
The proposed allocations form part of the Government’s plan to strengthen provincial infrastructure, improve access to essential services and maintain connections between communities across the country.
