EU commits $2.3 million grant to Ha’apai [1]
Tuesday, January 20, 2015 - 16:45
The European Union today committed a $2.3 million pa’anga grant to boost the restoration of the power network damaged by Tropical Cyclone Ian in Ha’apai over a year ago.
The grant signing was carried out by the EU Ambassador for the Pacific Andrew Jacobs and the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva in Nuku’alofa.
Jacobs said more than 1000 households and 30 commercial and government offices in Ha’apai will benefit from a more efficient energy network due to this grant that is part of cyclone rehabilitation efforts.
He said the island suffered significant power losses following the cyclone when its energy grid was badly affected after 90 percent of its power lines damaged.
“Renewable energy and energy efficiency are critical sectors for Tonga, a country that spends millions in importing petroleum products. The supply of reliable and clean energy becomes more important to a cyclone prone country like Tonga and this support to Ha’apai will not only help reduce the cost of providing electricity to the population but ensure that energy systems are made more resilient to extreme weather patterns.”
The Prime Minister said the Tongan Government was grateful to the EU for its continued assistance.
He said the new government had only just started and was trying to tap into the real financial position in Tonga, with the recurrent budget prepared by the former government continuing until June this year.
“Our government strongly believes that good governance is the key to development and we are committed to its principles.”
'Akilisi said donor partners had woken-up to the fact that without good governance their assistance would be wasted so good governance should be a pre-determined condition for the assistance.
The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Finance Hon ‘Aisake Eke at the Ministry of Finance office.