The Port Vila City Council (PVCC) is the local government authority responsible for the administration, governance, and development of Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu. Its core role includes urban planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, waste management, public health and safety, community services, and ensuring sustainable growth and quality of life for residents and visitors. The Council serves as the primary interface between the people of Port Vila and local governance, promoting inclusive participation and accountable decision-making.

PVCC plays a critical coordinating role with national government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and community groups to ensure that Port Vila continues to grow in a safe, inclusive, and sustainable manner.

Mission:
To deliver effective, inclusive, and sustainable services that enhance the well-being of Port Vila’s residents, while fostering economic growth, environmental protection, and civic pride through transparent and accountable governance.

Vision:
A thriving, clean, green, and resilient capital city that is well-planned, well-governed, and welcoming to all – where communities are empowered, the environment is protected, and future generations can flourish.

Existing MAP of Port Vila (2016-2030) View Download

All forms created by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) can be downloaded below.

 Press Release Language Size Links
Foreshore Act  Bislama  111KB View Download
Foreshore Act  English  111KB View Download
Foreshore Act  French  139KB View Download
Vanuatu National Building Code 2025  English  196KB  View Download
Multipurpose Emergency Shelters  English  189KB  View Download

Jeffrey Kaitip

Mr Jeffrey Kaitip

Director DUAP
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Urban Planning Unit (UPU)

Foreshore Development Unit (FDU)

Port Vila City Council (PVCC)

Luganville Municipal Council (LMC)

Finance, Administration and Support Services

The Urban Planning Unit under the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning is responsible for all urban planning policies, urban strategies, urban designs and effective implementation of all urban planning policies within all urban centres in Vanuatu. It will also deal with matters concerning Housing and Informal Settlements and work with both Government and Private sector to bring investments in the housing sector.

The unit’s objectives are to improve urban planning policies, improve coordination of declared physical planning areas in collaboration with the Decentralisation Policy and strengthen the implementation of planning practices to achieve prosperous urban centres in Vanuatu.

The Housing and settlement section is a component of the urban planning unit. Since its establishment in 2022, the Housing and Settlement section is responsible for developing and overseeing housing standards, policies and regulations that will guarantee affordable and adequate housing for communities suitable for the country’s climatic conditions and socio-economic environment. The Urban Housing and Informal Settlement Policy will be the first of its kind to provide guidance on the national housing development allowing its implementing bodies to manage and control housing growth in the urban areas and peri-urban areas with the hope of fabricating sustainable communities with better living spaces and housing market suitable for the growing population. In accordance to the NSDP and National Strategic Plans, the National Urban Housing and Informal Settlement Policy is currently under development with the assistance of key stakeholders.

The additional positions that are required for this unit to function effectively are :

  • 1
    Principal Urban Planner
    – takes lead in managing the unit and into archiving its goals and objectives. This is a key role to ensure that urban planning documents including designs and policies are in place.
  • 2
    Senior Urban Planning Officer
    – role is to formulate and maintain standardize planning legislative frameworks and monitor its implementation throughout the urban centres.
  • 3
    Urban Planning Officer
    – assist the Principal Urban Planner and Senior Urban Planner in implementing the Physical Planning Act CAP 193 and other development controls developed by the unit.
  • 4
    Senior Housing and Settlement Officer
    – key role is to lead and manage housing and informal settlement matters and establish legislative frameworks, investments and monitor housing and informal settlements within urban areas. This role will also work with private sectors or investors in exploring investments to improve housing in urban areas to cater for its demand.
  • 5
    Senior GIS and Mapping Officer
    – This position’s key role is to administer Geographical Information System (GIS) of the Physical Planning Areas (PPAs) and provide mapping support once an area is declared as PPA and urban centre. GIS is an important planning tool required for planners and it is important that this tool is support within the department and continually updated to provide the required planning information.

The Department of Urban Aiffaires and Planning (DUAP) works in collaboration with local and international partners on a number of projects nationally.

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cooperates closely with government counterparts and development partners in Vanuatu. ADB also supports government dialogue and consultation with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local government leaders, the private sector, churches, and civil society and community groups. ADB, in partnership with the New Zealand Aid Programme, has developed the Interisland Shipping Support Project, focused on better access to markets and social services in outer island project areas, stronger safety regulations and better compliance, and improved shipping infrastructure.


In addition, ADB, in partnership with Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), has developed the Port Vila Urban Development Project, which will contribute to social development by improving drainage, roads, and sanitation systems in greater Port Vila and adjacent urban and peri-urban areas of Shefa Province

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ADB and NZAID will co-finance an Inter-island shipping project. Previously, with regards to infrastructure projects in Vanuatu, NZaid with MCC co-funded the Millennium Challenge Account-Vanuatu project. NZaid provided around 900 million vatu for the MCA-V project . The New Zealand company, Downer EDI Works, also won the international open tender to upgrade the roads on Efate Island and Santo East Coast Road

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The Government of Vanuatu in partnership with the Australian Government and the ADB are proud to fund the Port Vila urban Development Project as a major investment in the nation’s capital. According to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Bob Carr's speech, he said " The Port Vila urban development project will tackle these issues. It will fix up the key roads, it will improve pedestrian safety, it will construct public toilets and washing facilities, it will improve urban planning and climate proof infrastructure. It will create opportunities that don’t exist now for the participation of the private sector."

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The World Bank Group works in every major area of development. We provide a wide array of financial products and technical assistance, and we help countries share and apply innovative knowledge and solutions to the challenges they face.

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JICA is providing assistance to Vanuatu with a focus on infrastructures as a base for economic activities, environment and climate change measures, disaster preparedness, and improving the MDG index.

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