Government has officially launched the Rialuth Highway Rehabilitation Project — a major upgrade of the Santo East Coast Road, renamed in honour of former Prime Minister Late Rialuth Serge Vohor.
The project aligns with the government’s 100-Day Plan, which highlights key infrastructure priorities including the rehabilitation of Efate Ring Road and Santo’s East Coast Road.
At a ceremony held yesterday in Port Olry, Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry and his delegation, marked the start of the project.
Originally built under the Millennium Challenge Account between 2008–2010, the road is now fully under the Vanuatu Government’s responsibility. More than VT839 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation, with the work contracted to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). Work began in May 2025 and is expected to be completed by May 2026.
Speaking at the event, Minister Harry said:
“This project supports long-term development by improving roads and people’s lives. Government signed a contract with CCECC on 18 May 2025 with a value of VT839,433,368 — fully funded by government — and the work must be completed by next year.”
The rehabilitation work includes:
- Clearing and leveling roadside areas,
- Cleaning and repairing drainage,
- Fixing potholes and resealing new pavements,
- Installing concrete slabs on selected bridges,
- Adding road signage and markings.
The official renaming of the road to Rialuth Highway was described as a historic moment — both to enhance infrastructure and to honour the legacy of a former national leader whose contributions helped shape modern Vanuatu.
