SMEC in Vanuatu
SMEC has operated in Vanuatu since 1976. SMEC’s first project in Vanuatu was the Heavy Works Unit Project. The Heavy Works Unit was formed to construct new rural roads, upgrade existing roads and tracks, build new airstrips and rehabilitate existing airstrips.
Since then, SMEC has worked on a number of key projects throughout Vanuatu, including: the Vanuatu Urban Infrastructure Project; Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Review; the upgrade of education facilities the Port Vila and construction of a university sub-centre on the island of Santo; technical assistance for the Promoting Access to Renewable Energy in the Pacific (Vanuatu component); and the Vanuatu Transport Sector Support Program.
More recently, SMEC secured the Project Preparation Technical Assistance (PPTA) contract. This project is reviewing options for the Government to increase electricity supply across Vanuatu, and focuses on the expansion of distribution grids, and the development of renewable energy from hydropower. SMEC has experience in the Transport, Water, Built Environment, and Education, Governance and Government Advisory sectors in Vanuatu.