Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, faces a difficult path as well. Not only does it have to recover from the horrible earthquake that hit on December 17. We witnessed the devastation of homes, schools, businesses and key infrastructure during our visit, including the main hospital and evacuation infrastructure including wharves and jetties. The city’s cultural heritage, particularly in the historic core of the city, suffered extensive destruction. The impact of repeated flooding forced the area to largely shutter and for many months, Pangani still resembled a ghost town.
The Vanuatu government has put the recovery cost at around $US235 million. Now that cleanup and rebuilding are underway, impacted residents and businesses are still reeling from the effects. A huge landslide caused by the earthquake has further complicated recovery efforts. Worst of all, it clogged access to Port Vila’s primary wharf, the lifeblood supply artery for the island’s developed economy.
The Impact of the Quake
The earthquake caused severe damage to the town centre of the country’s capital, Port Vila. Structural evaluations found that heritage buildings constructed without the benefit of modern seismic engineering hard hit during the shake. Even new constructions fared poorly, as many did not adhere to building codes. Today in unsafe structures, crews are urgently demolishing dangerous buildings to combat public health threats. Their goal is to clean up the land and make it eligible to attract future developments.
Local businesses faced significant challenges as well. Jill’s Cafe, a beloved community and dining center, was one of the businesses that had to pack up and move. Some entrepreneurs see renewal months sticking up in the ground as a golden opportunity to punch through. Milroy Cainton, owner of the Pikinini Bar, is aiming to repurpose the capital of Port Vila. He has bigger, more beautiful and more resilient dreams for his adopted city.
“Now we have to transform Port Vila into a more beautiful city,” – Milroy Cainton.
While the destruction is still visible, hope is not lost in Port Vila. Tourists such as Luciana Gato and Jamie Brown are coming back to enjoy the region. They’ve been encouraged by the Vanuatu Tourism Office’s claims of increasing international interest in the South Pacific nation.
“It was a chance to help out the local community, buying gifts and going to restaurants because obviously it was a once-in-a-generation earthquake,” – Jamie Brown.
Recovery and Future Prospects
According to Vanuatu Tourism Office, the local tourism board, it’s causing quite a stir and creating a buzz about the region’s tourism potential. As CEO Adela Issachar Aru explained, plenty of opportunities exist to build as the country recovers from the calamity. The Asian Development Bank projects that if tourism recovers and government reconstruction efforts are effectively financed, Vanuatu’s economy could see growth of 2 percent by 2025.
Rebuilding will happen, but the road to recovery includes reimagining how Port Vila will work and thrive in years to come. Senior urban planner Loic Bernier highlighted the importance of planning with intention to help develop a more sustainable and resilient urban core.
“There’s a lot of things to think about and we will also probably call for proper town planning and architects to redesign the town centre,” – Loic Bernier.
Local advocates are excited to play a role in making this vision a reality. Milroy Cainton advocates for walkable, vibrant places in the town center. He argues that these changes would enhance social engagement between residents and tourists.
“Pedestrianising the main street CBD is not only offering businesses the opportunity to attract more customers, but for both visitors and locals to meet each other and say ‘hello’ or ‘bonjour, ça va? [hello, how’s it going?]. You know, mingle with each other,” – Milroy Cainton.
Community Resilience
As recovery continues, local residents such as Elizabeth Worwor insist it’s time to unwind. They intend to establish areas for remembrance in between still-on-going reconstruction projects. Local businesses have the best interests of the community in mind, hoping to create an inviting environment that attracts residents and visitors alike.
“People can sit here, people can relax, people can forget what happened,” – Elizabeth Worwor.
Worwor reflected on being thankful her business survived unprecedented times.
“It’s just a miracle that we got this place,” – Elizabeth Worwor.
The road ahead for Port Vila may be beset with hurdles, but it is not without the potential for healing and renewal to begin. Yet the community’s resilience is on full display as they come together to not just rebuild their city, but to rebuild it even better.
