The Government of Vanuatu has requested assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Greater Port Vila Urban Resilience Project (GPVURP). The project will improve urban resilience in the Greater Port Vila through capacity building and institutional strengthening, as well as construction of three multipurpose emergency shelters. The impact of the proposed project is that Greater Port Vila is a safe, inclusive, resilient, and vibrant economic hub based on sustainable development.
The project has four outputs: (i) resilience in urban planning and management strengthened; (ii) urban resilience enhanced through local partnerships; (iii) resilient urban infrastructure constructed in Greater Port Vila; and (iv) Asset management and institutional capacity strengthened. The project has been categorized as Category B for Involuntary Resettlement and Category C for Indigenous Peoples.
About the Subprojects. This Resettlement Plan covers the GPVURP subprojects for the construction of three multipurpose emergency shelters in two wards located in the Greater Port Vila area. The multipurpose emergency shelters will provide a safe place of refuge for people living in neighboring communities during natural disasters, such as cyclones, as well as accommodate community activities at all other times. The shelters include facilities such as sanitation blocks, food preparation areas, and a ward office. The multipurpose emergency shelters will be located within the Port Vila municipality at (i) Seaside Showground, (ii) Freswota Field, and (iii) Korman.
Scope of Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement. The construction of the three multipurpose emergency shelters will not result in involuntary land acquisition. The new shelters will be located on existing government owned or municipal leasehold land. There will be no permanent physical or economic displacement impacts as a result of the construction of the shelters. The new shelters will be compliant with the Vanuatu national building code and designs shall take account of natural hazards including extreme windspeeds and will serve as evacuation shelters during emergencies.