The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Australia and Nauru participated in a ceremony on January 30 to officially mark the first step toward the construction of Nauru’s first international port. Financed by ADB, GCF, and the governments of Australia and Nauru, the Nauru Sustainable and Climate Resilient Connectivity Project will upgrade the largely unworkable boat harbor into an international port.
Specifically, the new, climate-proofed Nauru Port will allow large vessels to berth with the construction of a wharf featuring a berth pocket and breakwater.
Port security will be established to ensure compliance with international best practices, while a container storage area will be built.
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The project will introduce institutional reforms within the port authority and support the management of the port, ensuring financially sustainable port operations and maintenance.
The port’s next milestone will be a port dedication ceremony in March 2019.
Moreover, ADB Director General for the Pacific, Mrs Carmela Locsin, commented:
The beginning of the construction phase puts Nauru on a path towards economic recovery as the new port will increase export and trade opportunities.
In addition, Mrs Ruston stated that the new project on the port, will bring more jobs and boost the economic growth through increased trade and investment.
Concluding, the ceremony was led by Nauru President, Mr Baron Divavesi Waqa, who gave a speech, as well as Australia’s Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific Ms. Anne Ruston and ADB’s Development Coordinator for Nauru Ms. Camilla Solomon participated in the event.
