Japan Hands Over “Heavy Machines for Disaster Recovery” (18 September 2026)
2026/9/22
On 18 September, the Government of Japan handed over equipment worth 400 million yen (approximately 300 million vatu) to the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu under Japan’s Grant Aid programme, “The Programme for Economic and Social Development (Equipment for Earthquake Recovery).” This programme follows Japan’s emergency assistance provided in response to the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on 17 December 2024, including the provision of emergency relief supplies and the dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team and the JDR Expert Team. Through the provision of essential equipment for earthquake recovery, including power shovels (excavators), dump trucks and water trucks, the programme aims to address key recovery challenges in affected areas, such as debris removal and water supply needs, while contributing to strengthening Vanuatu’s disaster response system and its capacity to manage public infrastructure.
The handover ceremony was attended by Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, who expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan. He also emphasized that the equipment provided under the programme would make a significant contribution to advancing the shared vision of Vanuatu and Japan for sustainable development. Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry further expressed Vanuatu’s commitment to making effective use of the equipment to promote the development and maintenance of the country’s public infrastructure.
The handover ceremony was attended by Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, who expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan. He also emphasized that the equipment provided under the programme would make a significant contribution to advancing the shared vision of Vanuatu and Japan for sustainable development. Hon. Xavier Emmanuel Harry further expressed Vanuatu’s commitment to making effective use of the equipment to promote the development and maintenance of the country’s public infrastructure.