Japan donates $3M of emergency equipment to NEMO [1]
Tuesday, August 8, 2017 - 17:07
Emergency response equipment valued at $3 million pa’anga will help Tonga to be better prepared for disasters. Donated by the Government of Japan, the equipment was handed over to Tonga’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) yesterday, 7 August 2017.
The equipment consists of four cargo crane trucks, two water tank trucks, one septic tank truck, 15 tents, 20 mobile toilets, two life boats with engines, 15 chainsaws, 10 emergency lamps with generators, five manual forklifts, one mini excavator, and other technical equipment, essential in emergency responses.
Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Yukio Numata said the new eqiupment reinforces NEMO’s emergency response for the people of Tonga.
“In recognition of the kingdom’s vulnerabilities to the various threats of climate change, the equipment from the people and the Government of Japan will help develop Tonga’s capability and capacity to safeguard people’s lives during times of disasters.”
“I am sure that these equipment will greatly stand by as much needed provisions in preparation during disasters as well as its aftermath of the recovery process,” said Mr Numata.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni was grateful for Japan’s generous assistance and contribution to the ongoing development in disaster management throughout Tonga.
“With this assistance, NEMO will be able to respond more effectively to any emergency that may occur.”
The equipment was donated through Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) and this is the second time that NEMO has received assistance from it following the first donation last June.
Japan’s NPGA was introduced as a form of commodity aid to promote economic and social development of recipient countries.
Government Department CEOs, representatives from Non-Government Organisation’s, and stakeholders of emergency and disaster management offices also attended the handover.