VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday that the government is supporting Vanuatu's post- disaster recovery by sending 20 tons of building materials for the rehabilitation of the Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila.
The delivery of the assistance is aimed at assisting Vanuatu's recovery efforts in areas severely affected by cyclones Judy and Kevin in early March.
According to the ministry, the assistance had been transported on early Sunday via the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and was expected to arrive in Port Vila on the same day.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing are the institutions that are responsible for the delivery of the assistance.
Officials representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, and state-owned construction company PT Pembangunan Perumahan (PT PP) witnessed the departure.
The Foreign Ministry said the aid package for the airport's rehabilitation project revealed Indonesian people's solidarity with the people of Vanuatu.
The rehabilitation project was started on August 22.It was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Nugraha Mansury and Foreign Minister of Vanuatu Matai Seremaiah Nawalu.
Apart from repairing the damaged infrastructure at the Bauerfield International Airport, it is also intended to strengthen relations between the two countries, the Foreign Ministry said.
The involvement of Indonesian contractors and workers in the project reflected a close collaboration between the two countries in the development efforts, according to the ministry on its official website on Sunday.
The rehabilitation project is predicted to be completed in late October or early November.
After its completion, it would officially be handed over by the Indonesian Government to the Government of Vanuatu, the Foreign Ministry said. (Antaranews)