Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a scattered archipelago of some 80, largely volcanic, islands in the southwestern Pacific. Located some 2,300 kms off the east cost of Australia, Vanuatu is remote and isolated. The eight largest islands account for 80% of the total land area and are home to nearly 95% of its population of 200,000. Vanuatu’s isolation is exacerbated by poor infrastructure and expensive international and internal transportation links.

Housing is a major challenge for the residents of Vanuatu. Overcrowding and unhealthy and unsanitary living conditions are common. Squatter communities have mushroomed in urban areas. In rural areas more than half of the houses are built from traditional materials and are over ten years old, making them very vulnerable to cyclone damage. In February 2004, Hurricane Ivy damaged more than 10,700 houses on 13 islands.

Rapid population growth and land disputes between tribes means there is a shortage of affordable land for affordable housing. Poor families seeking decent homes have to contend with high land prices, costly building materials, especially if imported, and a lack of assets to secure land ownership.

In addition, substandard conditions are costly. Rents can take up more than half of an average worker’s salary, which is the equivalent of US$110 a month.

HFH Vanuatu began operations in the capital of Port Vila in 2001. It builds and renovates houses in three communities: Fres Wota, Nambouru and Beverly Hills. Eight families in Beverly Hills have formed Vanuatu’s first “Save & Build” group, in which the combined financial strength of a savings group enables houses to be built more quickly, as well as encouraging a savings ethic.

Habitat homeowners pay an average monthly repayment of approximately US$44, far less than the rent for a rundown urban apartment.

Habitat houses in Vanuatu use cement slab foundations and are made from concrete block and wood with hardwood frames and shutters. Corrugated iron is used for roofing. It takes between 20 to 30 days to build a house.

Habitat Highlights

• Concrete Interlocking Block technology cuts down construction cost and encourages innovations.

• Trainings conducted in HFHV Building Centers in Port Vila, Efate and Luganville, Santo empowered community people with skills to build their own homes.

• The Hillsong team from Australia completed the building of the eight Habitat home in Beverly Hills.

• A partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation and Lions Club Port Vila resulted in the building of seven houses for the disabled.

• The first “Save & Build” group was established to build eight more houses in Beverly Hills.

COUNTRY FACTS
Population: 202,609
Capital: Port Vila
Area: 12,200 sq. km.
Ethnic groups: Melanesian 98% French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders
Language: Bislama (a Melanesian pidgin English), English, French and more than 110 languages and dialects
Religion: Presbyterian 36.7%, Roman Catholic 15%, Anglican 15%, other Christian 10%, indigenous, 7.6%, others, including Jon Frum Cargo cult, 15.7%