Vava'u

The Tonga Cabinet led by Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano is currently holding a retreat at Puataukanave Hotel in Neiafu, from January 21-24.

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.

An unidentified body of a European man was found on November 7 by divers who were investigating a yacht that went aground on a reef, in the southern part of the Vava’u Island Group. Tonga Police said they are investigating the unexplained death of the man who appeared to have been dead for quite some time.