China-aided road project builds hope in Vanuatu

Since the completion of the second phase of the road project in Tanna island, Vanuatu, life has never been so convenient for Peter Colmas, a vegetable grower living by the road. "It used to take me a whole day to take my vegetables to the market. Now it takes just 45 minutes!" he said.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuatu covers an area of about 12,000 square kilometers and is scattered across more than 80 small islands, making transportation difficult. That is especially true on Tanna island, known for its active volcano Mount Yasur. Heavy rains are frequent on the island, which make it a nightmare to drive on the dirt roads built over soft ashes. Self-prepared tools, such as shovels, picks and tow ropes, are needed when driving here, in case of emergency.

Before the new road opened, it took seven to eight hours to drive from Colmas' family farm to the closest market, despite being just 22 kilometers away. To avoid driving through the night, he would depart a day in advance, but the overnight vegetables wouldn't sell well. Sometimes, in order to save on the truck rental fee, the Colmas would walk for over 20 hours over the mountains, carrying the vegetables to the market. Now, he starts loading the truck at 4:30 am, and arrives at the market before 6 am. The opening of the road has greatly increased traffic efficiency, as well as Colmas' income. "In two to three years, I will be able to buy a pickup truck!" said Colmas, filled with hope.   

The Tanna island road project is part of the China-aided road upgrading project in Vanuatu, which covers Tanna island and Malakula island. The Tanna island section has entered the third phase of construction. Upon completion of the third and fourth phases of construction, the road network of the island will greatly facilitate the economic development of the area.

The first two phases of the project hired over 400 local workers and lifted them out of poverty. According to Kalip Roger, a 43-year-old worker, his family had no source of income before he started working for the China-aided project. Now he has mastered various road construction skills, and his monthly salary has increased to 130,000 vatu ($1,090.2). His old thatched house has been replaced by a brick house of over 100 square meters, and he doesn't need to worry about paying for his kids' school fees.

Marcellino Barthelemy, minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities of Vanuatu, expressed his appreciation to China, saying China has built the "road of hope" for the Vanuatu people and led them to a life of convenient transportation.