The New Zealand government is committed to being a partner in the rebuild of a Port Vila wharf but it says the project is being led by the Vanuatu government.
The unfinished inter-island ship wharf on Port Vila Harbour. The Vanuatu opposition wants the New Zealand government to explain why the project it funded is still incomplete. Photo: RNZ / Heather Maraki
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was responding to a call from Vanuatu's opposition leader, Ishmael Kalsakau, for an explanation as to why the South Paray project is incomplete.
Mr Kalsakau said a temporary wharf at the site was in a dire state and he asked the New Zealand High Commission to explain what had happened to plans for an inter-island ferry wharf and its funding.
The ministry said while there had been some delays with the project, New Zealand was committed to working with its partners to complete it.
The Asian Development Bank is also a partner in the project.
The Vanuatu Project Management Unit said the wharf project was stopped last year over design concerns.
