US$4m boost for transport sector [1]
Friday, October 2, 2015 - 16:29
An additional US$4 million funding has been approved by the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors to improve and strengthen Tonga's transport sector.
The new funding will enable the continuation of work begun in 2005 through a Transport Sector Consolidation Project (TSCP) aimed to deliver better and safer travel and a stronger Ministry of Infrastructure and Tourism.
Most activities funded under this are continuation of existing activities under the TSCP, with a stronger focus on maritime and land transport safety.
This will include additional maritime navigation aids for ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and the two Niuas; equipment for marine safety, maintenance and environmental protection and improvements to wharves, passenger and cargo facilities. Road transport will include minor road works to address safety issues and road safety awareness and education campaigns on critical issues such as the importance of child safety seats in vehicles.
The project also allocated US$1.3 million of this funding to build skills and capacity of staff at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Tourism in asset management, maritime, roads and traffic safety, change management, information and communication technology systems all aimed at creating a sustainable and effective Ministry.
Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank's Country Director for PNG, Timor-Leste and Pacific Island said isolation and dispersed islands create many challenges for Tonga’s development and maintenance of sustainable transport networks.
"This additional funding will help the Government of Tonga continue to deliver safer and more reliable ways of getting around for the people of Tonga."
Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism Hon ‘Etuate Lavulavu said the Government of Tonga is committed to building an efficient transport sector that delivers the transport services and infrastructure which are so important to all Tongans.
This funding is a combination of US$2 million grant and US$2 million credit provided through the World Bank Group's International Development Association. The Government of Tonga will also provide an additional US$2 million in funds.
This second installment of funding followed a significant expansion of the project tin 2010, which included US$10.3 million in grant financing from the Australian Government.