Results for Development

China is on track to achieve its Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and to establish a moderately prosperous society by 2020, Shi Guohui, the Vice-Governor of Binxian County, in central China told a Pacific Islands delegation on May 10. By Pesi Fonua.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES: Domestic violence statistics in Tonga are disturbing, women have died, and the high rate of physical, sexual and emotional abuse impacts the whole community. It is shocking to see Tonga, a Christian country, bashing its daughters as soon as they become women, community leaders said in Nuku'alofa on April 12, 2013.

The Tongan economy is stuck in a "development trap", according an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on the current state of the Tongan economy that was released on Monday, March 25.

The flooding in parts of Nuku'alofa is a testimony to an ad-hoc decision-making process in the urban development of Nuku'alofa, Tukua Tonga, the director of the Urban Planning Unit of the Ministry of Land, said today. Flooding during this week's heavy downfalls of rain, has closed some schools and businesses, made roads impassable, and caused community concern over the associated health risks.

The construction of Vava'u's first solar power plant to be built with a US$5 million grant from the Government of Abu Dhabi is on target for completion by October 2013. When the plant comes into operation it will provide 13 percent of the annual energy demands of Vava'u, while saving up to 180,000 litres of diesel fuel annually to reduce the cost of electricity.

Vaipua Bridge which provides a vital short cut to Neiafu for the people living in the western district of Vava'u will be opened on Friday 14 December by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.

HM King Tupou VI unveiled a plaque and cut a ribbon to open a new Vuna Wharf, reconstructed with a $32 million pa'anga loan from China, in time to welcome its first cruise ship, the Ocean Princess tomorrow Tuesday 11 December. The new wharf is expected to help drive the economy by attracting more cruise ships to Nuku'alofa.

Tatakamotonga celebrated the opening of the Mata'aho Hall Women's Training Centre at on Wednesday September 5, after renovations were completed and training equipment provided in a joint collaboration between the Governments of Japan and New Zealand. Photos by Linny Folau and Mary Lyn Fonua.

$2 million pa'anga of taxpayers money was divided equally among 17 People's Representatives this week, to spend on their annual national tour of constituencies - a $300,000 increase from the $1.7 million they took in the previous budget. The Minister of Finance Lisiate 'Akolo argued for the increased amount of $300,000 to be divided between himself and 'Uliti Uata, but the PRs also wanted a "fair share". From the House by Pesi Fonua.