The Department of Water Resources has confirmed that it is considering extending the current ban on the use of both First and Second Lagoons in Port Vila due to increased levels of water contamination.

A report released by the department for the first quarter of 2025 shows a significant rise in the presence of Enterococci bacteria—a clear indicator of human or animal waste contamination—in both Emten Lagoon (First Lagoon) and Ekasuvat Lagoon (Second Lagoon).

Tests taken from sites around the First Lagoon, including Erakor Jetty, Ramada Resort, and Poppy’s on the Lagoon, revealed high concentrations of the bacteria. In one test taken in January 2025, levels peaked at 690 CFU per 100mL, far exceeding the safe guideline of 40 CFU/100mL for recreational water use.

In comparison, the Second Lagoon, which includes areas around Cocomo Resort and Club Hippique, showed lower levels of contamination, although occasional spikes were still recorded. A more recent test at Ramada Resort detected 64 CFU/100mL, which also exceeds safe recreational limits.

VBTC News spoke with Johnson Peter, a Compliance Officer from the Department of Water under the Ministry of Lands. He said the pollution is believed to be coming from septic tanks at Vila Central Hospital (VCH) and hotels like Holiday Inn.

“When we got the results, we saw the need to extend the ban. We are now working on a draft to send to State Law so a new ban order can be signed,” said Mr. Peter.

Ban Timeline

The initial lagoon ban was introduced in 2021 under former Minister of Lands Edward Nalyal, after early testing showed fecal contamination in both lagoons. The Department of Water reaffirmed the ban in May 2023, restricting swimming, fishing, and diving. As of March 2025, the ban is still active, and authorities are now working to extend it further due to continued high bacteria levels.

Community Concerns

Local residents living near the lagoons are also worried. One said:

“The government must take strong action. We’ve complained before about the septic tanks, and the Ministry of Health said they would fix it, but nothing has happened.”

Another local added:

“If the ban is lifted, I don’t think it’s safe to swim or fish. I worry for my children and family. We don’t get enough information about it.”

The Water Department says the high bacteria levels mean the water is not safe for public use and could make people sick. The First Lagoon has had this problem for years. The Second Lagoon has smaller issues, but still needs to be checked often.

The Department recommends:

• Fixing the broken septic systems around the lagoons, especially near VCH,
• Testing the water more often,
• And telling the public more about the risks.

VBTC News also tried to get comments from authorities responsible, but they were not available at the time of this report.