Japan provides VT320M for heavy machine to support recovery

The Japanese government has officially reached an agreement with the government of Vanuatu to provide a grant aid of approximately 320 million Vatu. This funding will be used to provide heavy machinery equipment for Vanuatu's Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MoLNR).

The Japanese Embassy issued a statement stating that Ambassador Naohisa Okuda mentioned the extensive damage to infrastructure in and around Port Vila, and that the aid project embodies the two countries' shared commitment to accelerating post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Ambassador Okuda expressed his deepest condolences to the affected people and stated that Japan will continue to support Vanuatu in "building back better and enhancing its ability to cope with future natural disasters."

This batch of heavy machinery, including excavators, graders, and wheel loaders, will be used to clear debris from collapsed buildings and develop alternative roads for critical infrastructure. Water trucks will be used to transport drinking water to affected areas. Ambassador Okuda emphasized that the heavy machinery provided through this project will play a key role in the rapid recovery of infrastructure and in strengthening the resilience of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

The project is expected to support Vanuatu's economic recovery efforts. By rebuilding and improving infrastructure, it will create a more favorable environment for local economic activity and enhance resilience to future natural disasters.