Finding and developing a new water source for Port Vila could take between 5 and 7 years, or longer, as the Water Resources Department begins the second phase of exploration in the Teouma inland area.

Water Resources Director Erickson Sammy told VBTC News the project involves identifying a reliable new source capable of supplying Port Vila, surrounding communities and future developments in the area.

He said the second phase of the project has now begun, with exploration focusing on potential groundwater and surface water sources further inland along the Teouma River.

“Relocating Port Vila’s water source is not easy. We expect the actual relocation to take between five and seven years, but depending on circumstances and any further delays, it could take longer than seven years.”

Sammy said earlier assessments considered activities already taking place in the Teouma area, including the landfill and other developments near the river.

Following the assessment, potential water source sites were identified further inland.

The Asian Development Bank supported the first stage of the project with around VT500 million, which helped fund initial assessments and the identification of potential sites.

The project has now moved into its exploration phase, where teams will carry out further work to determine whether groundwater at the identified sites is sufficient to meet future demand.

“We have identified two potential sources in the Teouma area. One is groundwater and the other is a spring or surface water source. The exploration phase has just started, and we will now assess whether the groundwater source is sufficient to supply the demand for Port Vila, surrounding areas and communities towards Teouma that will also need water.”

The proposed new water source is expected to cost more than VT7 billion and could also support future developments, including the planned mini township project on Efate.

In October 2025, Prime Minister Jotham Napat, government ministers and project representatives held a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the Matnakara water zone.

Sammy said activities such as excavation and the construction of tar-sealed roads are not allowed within the designated water protection zone.