By Katalina Siasau
The Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS), an organization dedicated to helping thousands of vulnerable people in Tonga, now needs a little help itself, to escape increasing floodwaters around the termite-ridden buildings in Nuku'alofa that it has worked in for decades.
TRCS aims to raise $15-16 million pa’anga goal to build a new service centre that will serve as the base and warehouse for its national relief operations.
TRCS Secretary General, Sione Taumoefolau, told Matangi Tonga on 12 September, that the flooding and rotting buildings are affecting their ability to provide services. When it rains, the water floods the floor of their offices. Their feet get wet.
It is dangerous to work in such conditions. During national disasters, when communications are critically important, their ability to have back up power and power leads is compromised. The dampness is affecting their computers and filing systems. The flooding limits their ability to store and distribute relief supplies from the location.
The TRCS headquarters, located on Taufa’ahau Road in Nuku’alofa, is over 50 years old. It comprises of a ‘Ofa Tui’ Amanaki (OTA) Center, a hall built in 1967 by the NZ Red Cross, and small units that were built in 1976 and 1979, and an office where the Secretary General, and staff all share.
“All those buildings in the back are very old and are being eaten away by termites, so we all moved here, to the front,” Sione said. “You can see the condition of the house.”
Floods
“With recent natural disasters, we (headquarters) were heavily affected. Even following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai disaster, we did our best to help with the needs of the people, but when rain falls, we all have to walk around here in water.”
“The area needs to be raised higher because we are always flooded."
Sione believes at least one million pa'anga would be needed to fill the area in order to be the same level as the main road, to avoid flooding.
The TRCS plans for the new centre include a two story building, halls on the ground floor and a warehouse, and other essential facilities to support their operations.
Tonga Red Cross Society is a voluntary aid society that was established in 1961. It relies on assistance and donations to carry out its programs. TRCS have reached and assisted thousands of people living in vulnerable situations across Tonga, due to frequent and increasingly extreme natural disasters in recent years. TRCS proactively prepares for disasters and runs strategic disaster readiness operations throughout Tonga.
Fundraising ball
Tonga Red Cross Society is organizing a fundraising ball on 22 November, in Nuku'alofa, to help raise funds towards constructing a new service centre. They are inviting Tongan businesses and organisations to donate $1000 each for a table of 10 people. They are also seeking donations of raffle prizes.
“This centre will be a neutral safe space for the people of Tonga in times of crisis. We are dedicated to making a positive impact and helping the lives of individuals in our community, and we are relying on the generosity of your organization to help us achieve our goals,” said Sione.
“We want to stress that every donation, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will go a long way towards helping us achieve our goals. Your contribution will help us provide critical support to people in our community who need it the most,” he said.
Sione Taumoefolau can be contacted at sg [at] tongaredcross [dot] to
