Several communities in Port Vila are now raising their own funds to repair severely damaged roads, citing long delays and poor road conditions across their areas.

VBTC News understands at least three communities have either completed road repairs or are in the planning stages, responding to what they describe as the government’s lack of action.

A recent example is the Ohlen 74 area, where the community, led by Port Vila Municipal Councillor Davis Nambaru, has begun fundraising for road upgrades. Councillor Nambaru said while road maintenance is normally a government responsibility, the community decided to act after years of waiting for improvements.

“The purpose of our fundraising is to fix our road in Ohlen 74. I know it’s the government’s duty, but if they cannot help, then we will take responsibility with the community and make a difference,” he said.

Nambaru added that while his role as a councillor is to represent the government at the community level, the poor condition of shared public roads leaves many residents feeling overlooked despite paying taxes and VAT.

“When roads are left unrepaired for too long, it affects everyone—including government officials. If Ohlen is not on the government’s current plan, then we will step up and act,” he said.

Ohlen 74 is not the only community taking this approach. Last month, residents using the road from Bukura to Devil’s Point announced their intention to raise funds for repairs. In another example, a Bladiniere community successfully raised over 276,000 VT through fundraising to repair the road from Kings Motors to the Air Vanuatu Office.