Litzlitz Wharf

Litzlitz wharf provides the main lifeline infrastructure for the 23,000 persons living on Malekula with the bulk of commodities exported via the wharf. Cargo for the government services and local businesses is imported through Litzlitz Wharf.  The rehabilitation of the Litzlitz wharf will boost international trade for Malekula. Malekula has been identified as a producer of high grade organic cocoa which supports the livelihood of many of the communities. 

Repairs and rehabilitation works including the construction of a new barge landing ramp are now needed as more ships call into Litzlitz. The provision of the ramp will enable larger volumes of cargo to be handled and obviate the need for the Public Works Department (PWD) to dump coral to form a temporary landing ramp at every barge call. The demand for barges servicing Malekula is becoming more common due in part to poor wharf facilities.  

The rehabilitation works will be carried out inside the existing Litzlitz wharf boundaries, which is on leased land and accordingly land dispute issues and disruption to works are not expected. The local communities have identified one site within the vicinity of the site that has cultural significance but will not be affected by construction. The worksite and work area is located on previously disturbed area, and as such the project will have minimal environmental impacts.

Potential environmental impacts that may occur during construction include (i) pollution of water and water resources, (iii) pollution of marine and terrestrial environments, (iv) noise and vibration from construction, (v) dust and (vi) accidents to surrounding communities. These impacts and mitigation measures would be understood by competent project managers and contractors who are familiar with Best Construction Practices and Workplace Health and Safety requirements.  Maintenance and management of the Litzlitz Wharf is lacking, and responsibilities are not clearly defined. Workable maintenance management systems need to be developed. Waste management and traffic control into the wharf is also not managed properly, and have been identified as areas needing improvement in this sub-project. The overall wharf operation needs improvement. 

Major stakeholders responsible for the operation of the wharf require training and capacity building in managing environmental and operational issues of the wharf.  The initial environmental examination (IEE) and environmental management and monitoring plan (EMP) that has been prepared for the rehabilitation of the Litzlitz wharf concludes that there are no outstanding environmental issues remaining and that no further environmental assessment is required.