Ambae islanders

Uncertainty remains for displaced Ambaeans

Penama provincial councillor James Bari has been living on Santo since the government ordered the evacuation of about 10,000 people from Ambae four months ago because of volcanic activity.

Mr Bari said the government had planned to lift the state of emergency on Ambae today but Ambaeans had not been updated.

"Until today we haven't heard anything yet from the government, and [do not know] whether the government will allow us to go back, or not yet. That's a big question all of us are asking now."

House building to get underway for displaced Ambaeans

About 10,000 people were evacuated from Ambae three months ago to escape the impact of an erupting volcano.

Many have been temporarily housed on Maewo and the Vanuatu Government, with help from New Zealand, is starting a programme to provide proper housing.

New Zealand is giving $US77,262 for building materials for 22 houses, six shared toilets, and a community rainwater harvesting system.

Seasonal work for Ambae residents gets endorsement

However, Mr Garaevui said, eventually, the council wanted to see the workers return home and use their earnings to start local businesses and hire local people to work for them.

The President's vision was welcomed by the Suva-based International Labour Organisation and Vanuatu's Department of Labour both of which have sent representatives to Ambae to see how people there can apply for seasonal work in New Zealand or Australia.