Port Vila

Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities Jotham Napat signed yesterday on behalf of the Vanuatu Government, while CCECC and Northwest Civil Airport Construction Group were represented by Business Manager Liang Qing.

Minister Napat expressed the Government’s full confidence in the contractors in successfully delivering all aspects of the rehabilitation works, under the World Bank-funded Vanuatu Aviation Investment Project (VAIP).

Tafea led the first half 1-0 after Eddison Stephen heads in a superb goal from a free kick.

After the break, Erakor came back strongly and saw Erakor captain Brian Kaltack leveled the scoreboard in style.

Both teams battled hard in the last 25 minutes but all their efforts came to nothing until the end of the match.

In the first division match results, Shepherds United 2-0 ABM Galaxy and Black Diamonds smashed Kings United 6-1.

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 The agreement has been signed by Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Mr. Liu Quan.

The agreement also allows for Chinese professional athletic coaches to do the final training in Vanuatu just before the Games, which are scheduled to take place in December 2017.

The agreement is part of the overall Games project which is being funded and built by China.

Photo: RNZI Hilaire Bule

Some airlines had temporarily suspended their flights to Port Vila due to poor conditions of the runway.

With the assistance of construction company Fulton Hogan, interim repairs to maintain the highest level of safety at Bauerfield and ensure Vanuatu can continue to meet airline safety and operational needs are continuing.

Fulton Hogan has commenced demobilization in New Zealand which means equipment, materials and personnel will arrive by the middle of the month. The major repairs are expected to be completed by late this month.

Ramada Port Vila is fast taking shape along the banks of the Erakor Lagoon.

A cliff face had to be removed before building could commence.

The self-contained, four-star resort comprises 67 junior rooms, eight studios and five two-bedroom suites which all overlook the water.

Accommodation starts from A$350, including breakfast, as part of five-pay four or stay seven-pay five packages.

Once complete, the resort will also boast a conference/ballroom, which could host 140 people as well as three bars and a restaurant.

Fleming told The National that he and chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou visited Port Vila last week for the opening of BSP Vanuatu.

“Our customers were positive of the change in ownership to BSP, noting that our staff were enthusiastic and responsive, and also very proud to be the newest members of the BSP family,” Fleming said.

“We gave the clients in Vanuatu a background on the proud history of BSP, its Papua New Guinean ownership, its strong balance sheet and profitability, as well as its commitment to the region.”

RNZ reports services were suspended suddenly on Monday after a gap opened in the runway, only three months after repairs were completed.

In January, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Virgin Australia suspended their services over concerns about the safety of the runway.

The announcement saw the country's new government scramble to re-negotiate a World Bank loan to carry out emergency repairs which were completed in April.

Those repairs were supposed to last for as long as a year while the government sought a more permanent solution.

Back in January Air New Zealand and Qantas withdrew their services to Port Vila citing concerns over the safety of the runway.

The World Bank loaned Vanuatu a 60 million US dollars for an overhaul of the industry.

The Bank sent a technical team to look at the short term repair of the runway and designs for longer term rehabilitation.

Fulton Hogan was contracted to conduct emergency repairs for the short term rehabilitation.

This week minor work was carried out again after staff spotted a gap opening up in part of the runway.

This follows the withdrawal of all services operated and supplied by Solomon Airlines effective June 7, 2016 until further notice.

Air Niugini’s flight PX082 from Port Moresby to Honiara and Port Vila on Tuesday has been rerouted to operate from Port Moresby to Port Vila direct.

Flights between Port Moresby and Nadi, Fiji will be nonstop and not via Honiara until further notice.

Air Niugini is waiving rebooking and cancellation fees for disrupted Honiara passengers.

United led the first half 1-0 against Narak, thanks to a goal from John Narapol.