Greater Port Vila Urban Resilience Project

The overall project will enhance Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) ongoing support for urban development in Vanuatu by bringing in cofinancing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Ireland Trust Fund (ITF). This enhances the city’s climate and disaster resilience.

The current project’s approach to urban development strongly emphasizes capacity building and institutional strengthening, and the practical application of the Greater Port Vila Resilient Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan (GPV RUDSAP) in planning and financing infrastructure to help build urban resilience and address the causes of fragility.

The approach supports the government’s decentralization framework for urban service delivery and governance through integrated ward-level urban resilience planning; by achieving effectiveness and sustainability; and responds to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and Tropical Cyclone Harold by focusing on localized readiness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and health emergencies.

Three New Multipurpose Evacuation Centers Strengthen Port Vila’s Resilience

June 2026 marked a major milestone for Port Vila with the completion of three new multipurpose evacuation centres at Seaside, Freswota and Korman.

The first official opening was held at the Seaside Evacuation Centre on 29 June 2026, followed by the opening of the Freswota Evacuation Centre on 30 June 2026. Both centres were officially opened by the Acting Prime minister the Honorable Ralph Regenvanu, and the Honorable Andrew Solomon Napuat, Minister of Internal Affairs.

The Seaside and Freswota ceremonies symbolically marked the completion and delivery of all three facilities.

The centres will provide safe and accessible shelter during cyclones, earthquakes, floods, public health emergencies and other disasters. During normal periods, they will serve as community spaces for meetings, markets and other activities, ensuring they remain useful and properly maintained throughout the year.

Watch the video

See how the Seaside, Freswota and Korman multipurpose evacuation centres will strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience across Port Vila.

The centres were delivered under the Greater Port Vila Urban Resilience Project (GPVURP), led by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) in partnership with Port Vila City Council (PVCC). The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) whose Board of Directors attended the Seaside Shelter opening ceremony, with cofinancing support from the Global Environment Facility and the Ireland Trust Fund. It is expected to strengthen resilience for approximately 15,500 people across Port Vila.

After discussions with the ADB Board whilst they were in Port Vila, at the Seaside shelter opening ceremony the Honorable Andrew Solomon Napuat, Minister of Internal Affairs was able to announce ADB’s agreement to fund three further shelters at Ohlen-Freshwind, Agathis Stadium and Nambatri. The design for them is complete, they will be tendered in August-September and are expected to commence construction in January next year.

Designed for communities and emergencies

Each center has been designed to transition quickly from everyday community use to emergency operations. Key features include accessible facilities for people with disabilities, separate sanitation facilities for women and men, water supply, kitchens, office spaces and nursing stations.

These features will enable the centres to support evacuations, emergency coordination, basic health services and community protection when disasters occur. Project implementation information

The facilities contribute to the Greater Port Vila Resilient Urban Development Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for a safer and more resilient capital by 2030.

DUAP Director Jeffrey Kaitip said:

“These evacuation centres are part of the Government’s broader urban planning and resilience agenda. They show how good planning and strong infrastructure can protect communities and make Port Vila safer during disasters. Their completion demonstrates what government, development partners and communities can achieve by working together.”

Protecting an investment for future generations

These centres are more than new buildings. They are safe havens that will provide protection, dignity and security for families during emergencies. They are also important community assets and symbols of preparedness, partnership and hope.

GPVURP Project Manager Jonathan Smith said:

“We worked closely with communities to understand their needs. Safety, accessibility and inclusion guided every stage of the design. By protecting these important public assets, we can ensure they continue to provide safety and security for present and future generations.”

At the opening ceremonies, the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs called on residents and surrounding communities to take pride in the centres and help keep them clean, secure and properly maintained.

The centres belong to the people. Their long-term value will depend on the collective commitment of communities, PVCC and the Government to care for them and ensure they are always ready when needed.