Vila Schools and USP Santo Sub-centre Project (1994 - 1997)
The objectives of this project were to upgrade the capacity of primary schools in Port Vila to address ‘urban drift’ from rural villages and to provide access to tertiary education for the many people living in the northern islands of Vanuatu. The consultancy was carried out by A&L in association with SMEC International and included provision of a new 450 student primary school at Freswota, major additions to Vila North, Ecole Publique and Anabrou primary schools in Port Vila and a new Sub-Centre for the University of the South Pacific (USP) on Espiritu Santo Island. This facility included a public library and full satellite communication with other USP campuses throughout the Pacific. Due to the success of the project, additional works were added - including an upgrade of the Government Training Centre in Port Vila and new ‘Sustainable Forestry Housing’ on three outer islands.
Alexander & Lloyd Australia (A&L) provided full site investigations, feasibility studies, project design, facilities design, documentation, tendering and contract administration of all the buildings and site services. The project was designed to suit local building techniques and special conditions such as the severe tropical climate, earthquakes and cyclones.