Geo-survey a step toward Nuku'alofa reconstruction [1]
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 - 19:25. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 12:25.
Five Chinese Geo-technicians completed geological surveys of major sites in the Central Business District in Nuku'alofa this week in an early stage of investigation into the ground structure ahead of reconstruction work.
Tukua Tonga the Head of the Planning and Urban Management Division of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources, said today that for the last three weeks the geo-technicians from China have been conducting drillings underground on major sites in the CBD to look at the soil, rocks and foundation structures.
He said that the findings would determine a new foundation structure for buildings to be constructed in Nuku'alofa in future.
The group included a civil engineer, a structural engineer, a hydro geologist to evaluate groundwater and a geologist. who have retuned to China, where they will analyse core samples found and then submit a report to Tonga.
Major sites surveyed included the Tungi Arcade block that burnt down in the riots of November 16, 2006 and other destroyed sites.
A ground-breaking ceremony by HM King George V is scheduled for September 28 to officially launch the Nuku'alofa Reconstruction.
Town Plan
Meanwhile, Tukua said that his division had received several concept designs for the CBD including one from the Manukau City Council, in New Zealand, but at this stage nothing was confirmed and they are waiting until the loan from China is finalised.
He said that the talks were in the final stages, and when they are concluded, the consultation process with various stakeholders on what might be an appropriate town plan for Nuku'alofa will begin. Later contracts will be advertised for architects, design work and construction.
The division has received concept designs from Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and China but the actual design for the Nuku'alofa CBD will be decided by the people, the stakeholders including Government, and landowners of the destroyed sites, added Tukua.
Five Blocks
He said the construction within the CBD site would consist of five blocks. The area where Tungi Arcade and Pacific Royale Hotel was, the area around Fakalato Restaurant and Narottams, the Kafua Block, the former ANZ Bank location and the area around the Royco and Taumoepeau Building block.
The Planning and Urban Management Division will focus on planning options for the CBD and will look at the concept designs for Nuku'alofa to submit to stakeholders and government for deliberation.
The division, is responsible for regulating new developments such as reclaiming the waterfront area and the foreshore re-development that is still in the pipeline, and will ultimately take up the full responsibilities in urban planning and management for the whole of Nuku'alofa.
Tukua said that although most businesses moved out of the CBD after 16/11 he is confident they will move back to town after the reconstruction because it is always commercially viable to be in the central area instead of being spread out.