5 Dec 2014

Vanuatu airport project dumped - PM

7:26 am on 5 December 2014

The Vanuatu Prime Minister says the unsuccessful attempt at a no-confidence motion in his government is final confirmation that a proposed project to build a new international airport has been dumped.

Joe Natuman led the move to abandon the project with the Singaporean company, Vanuatu Trade Development Limited.

The original plan was introduced by the now opposition leader, Moana Carcasses, and met with strong opposition over the terms of a 350 million US dollar contract.

Mr Natuman says Mr Carcasses failed attempt to cast doubt over his government means he can now put the proposal to bed.

"The parliament decided to let the agreement lapse so as far as Vanuatu is concerned we have nothing to do with this company. It is finished. They have the right to submit claims or to file their claims in court but they haven't come forward. Once they do that then we will decide what our next step will be."

Mr Natuman says the priority now is to upgrade the current Bauerfield International Airport on Efate to make sure that it is up to the international standard.

Port Vila international airport

Port Vila international airport Photo: RNZ