Ten months after the December 2024 earthquake, demolition work is still progressing across Port Vila on buildings that sustained major structural damage ,including the rehabilitation center at the Stade area, where an official signing ceremony took place today to formally launch the project.

The Government awarded the demolition contract, valued at VT 18,230,000, to Tulaet Construction Company, following a public tender process.

In his remarks, Minister for Correctional Services, Hon. Job Andie, congratulated the company on winning the tender and said he looks forward to timely completion of the work.

The former low-risk correctional facility at Stade, which dates back to the colonial era, suffered extensive structural damage during the 17 December 2024 earthquake.

While demolition goes ahead, detainees from the center have been relocated to another facility at Colardo, Port Vila.

Demolition work at the site is scheduled to begin next week Tuesday, 14 October 2025.