The major contract to design and build identified road infrastructure under the MCC-funded infrastructure program has been signed by MCA Vanuatu and Downer EDI Works Limited of New Zealand.
The contract provides for funding of the Efate Ring Road and a substantial portion of the Santo East Coast Road. The Washington-based Millennium Challenge Corporation approved a record quarterly disbursement of US$12.5 million to MCA-Vanuatu in response to MCA’s request for funds for the April to June 2008 quarter. These funds have arrived in Vanuatu covers the mobilization costs for the design and build contractors and for initial design work and materials testing.
The funding covers the costs of the Engineer to Public Works Department (PWD) and the Environmental and Social Consultants who commenced work in March 2008.
MCC funds are also supporting the Public Works Department through the provision of additional road maintenance equipment and contracts.
The Downer Design Team, along with survey equipment, arrived in Vanuatu on Sunday May 18, 2008. The first segment of the Efate Ring Road to be designed will comprise the road from La Cascade (Klem’s Hill) to Tanoliu. After completion of the design of the first segment, MCA Vanuatu as the Employer will review the design along with its Engineer (the Queensland Consulting Project Partners) and must accept the design before actual construction starts. Environmental Management Plans as well as Resettlement Action Plans are being currently undertaken by an international firm, Maunsell Ltd, based in New Zealand. Any environmental and social issues must be addressed and resolved by the Government of Vanuatu prior to construction commencement.