Ministry of Climate Change, Port Vila – June 18, 2024
In a significant move to enhance the nation's disaster preparedness and resilience to climate and geophysical risks, the Honourable Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Ralph Ragenvanu, has signed a contract with Ms. Frankly Joinery and Construction for the construction of a backup Early Warning Centre in Luganville, Santo. The contract, valued at 60,000,000 Vatu (USD 517,196.80), marks a crucial step in bolstering Vanuatu’s resilience against natural disasters.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry's headquarters, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Hon. Ragenvanu emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "This centre will play a pivotal role in our national climate adaptation and disaster risk management framework, providing a robust backup to our existing early warning systems and ensuring that we are better prepared for any disaster."
Ms. Frankly Joinery and Construction, a renowned construction firm, has been entrusted with the project. As part of the contract, an advance payment of 20% of the total contract sum, amounting to 12,000,000 Vatu (USD 103,439.36), will be disbursed to the contractor to commence the construction immediately.
The construction of the backup Early Warning Centre is expected to be completed within eight (8) months after the contract signing. Once operational, the centre will significantly enhance the country's capacity to monitor, predict, and respond to Climate and geophysical related disasters, thereby safeguarding lives and property.
We thank the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme for the funding this initiative through the Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone of Vanuatu - Phase II (VCAP II).
"We thankful that we were selected from the bid, and we are to commence with all construction according to plans and are committed to meeting are committed to delivering this project on time and to the highest standards," said a representative from Ms. Frankly Joinery and Construction. "Our team is dedicated to contributing to the safety and resilience of Vanuatu."
The establishment of this facility is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Climate Change to strengthen climate change adaptation and disaster risk management and improve community resilience. With the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters attributed to climate change, such infrastructure investments are vital for the future security of Vanuatu.
The community of Luganville and the broader Santo region eagerly anticipate the completion of this project, which promises to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Climate Change Communications Office.
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