New Aluminium Boat Launched to Boost Water Quality Monitoring in Port Vila
Port Vila, Vanuatu June 2025— The National Waste and Water Taskforce (NWWTF) has marked a significant milestone with the official launching of a new aluminium boat, purchased by the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC) under the NWWTF’s National Priority Project (NPP).
The launching ceremony was held on Thursday, 26 June 2025, and officiated by the Honourable Minister of Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Management, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu.
As part of the event, management of the vessel was formally handed over to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR). The acquisition of this boat represents a major development in supporting the Government’s efforts to strengthen water quality monitoring and compliance activities across Port Vila and other targeted areas.
“This vessel will play a critical role in supporting the work of both the DoWR and the NWWTF, particularly in monthly water quality monitoring and the collection of reliable, high-quality data,” said Minister Regenvanu during the launch.
In the past, both the Department of Water Resources and the NWWTF faced logistical challenges in carrying out water monitoring due to the need to hire boats through lengthy government processes. These delays often hindered the timely collection of water samples and impacted the delivery of accurate data, especially in urgent cases. Previously, monitoring activities were conducted only quarterly. With the availability of this dedicated vessel, teams will now be able to conduct regular, proactive, and responsive monitoring, significantly enhancing the quality and timeliness of their work.
The boat will enable better implementation of key water quality activities, as well as improved monitoring and compliance functions aligned with environmental management goals.
In addition to the launching, Minister Regenvanu also announced the release of a Rapid Assessment Report covering Port Vila’s Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding peri-urban areas. This initiative forms part of the Government’s 100-Day Plan and provides essential baseline data on the various wastewater systems currently in use. The report outlines key challenges, system gaps, and offers strategic recommendations to guide government policy in rebuilding Port Vila into a more sustainable and resilient city.
The NWWTF, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will continue to use such data to guide the development of infrastructure, policy, and service delivery to ensure better environmental and public health outcomes for all.
One such priorities that is currently being addressed is the maintenance of the Vila Central Hospital waste treatment plant that has seen the Government already engaging a contractor to work on it.