World Bank finances disaster-resilient road project in Vanuatu
The World Bank's has approved a $35.5 million credit and a $30.5 million grant in support for a resilient transport project that will upgrade the 65km South Santo Road, on Vanuatu’s second most-populated island of Espiritu Santo.
The project will significantly improve access to markets and essential services and contribute to faster, safer and more reliable road transport in Santo island.
The nation has been hard-hit by cyclones, drought, flooding and subsequent landslides in recent years, all of which are expected to become more intense due to climate change. When disasters do occur, transport systems, and especially river crossing and roads on the perimeters of islands, often bear a large share of the damage.
In addition to the design, construction and maintenance of the South Santo Road, the project will also strengthen the management of road assets for climate resilience across Vanuatu through technical assistance and project support. This includes an upgrade of Vanuatu’s road inventory management system to improve planning and better prioritize road maintenance based on climate and disaster risks.
